Mass Kidnapping Increased 154% from 2020 to 2025
Research predicts 2026 will see an increase in kidnaps-for-ransom, extortion and behavioral threat events due to growing socioeconomic disparities, volatile geopolitics, and the expansion of transnational organized crime. Data from Control Risks indicates instances of kidnapping have steadily increased over the past five years.
- Kidnapping events in 2025 were 60% greater than in 2020. Numbers rose all across the globe, except for in the Asia Pacific.
- Mass kidnappings (five or more victims taken in one incident) rose by 154% from 2020 to 2025.
As the research points out, kidnapping instances are often underreported, so it is likely the reality is higher than the data reflects.
The research illustrates how kidnappers exploit gaps left behind by the shifting geopolitical landscape by highlighting recent events. For example, Somali piracy emerging in the mist of the Iran-Israel conflict emphasizes how organized crime capitalizes on new maritime patterns and changing oversight, as shipping away from the Red Sea can present situations in which vulnerable vessels could be attacked.
The report warns that in light of the altered geopolitical landscape, organizations will need to prepare for a complex threat environment. Industries typically safe from extortive threats are encouraged to reassess this threat to their organization and workforce, as criminal groups tend to diversify victims.
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