Global Kidnap and Ransom Trends, 2026

Analysing reports of kidnap, ransom and extortion incidents,* there are three emerging trends in the first four months of 2026.

1. Kidnap-for-ransom is expanding in scale and scope

In addition to politically motivated mass kidnappings, kidnapping activity is evolving beyond isolated ransom incidents into shorter-duration abductions and digital banking exploitation. This includes the rise of opportunistic ATM kidnappings. 

Nigeria is the most dangerous kidnap-for-ransom environment globally with sectarian campaigns through organisations like Boko Haram and ISWAP who use mass kidnappings, village raids and church attacks. If you have business interests in Nigeria, accessing specialist advice about kidnap and ransom activity in the area you are going to work in is essential.

Shorter-duration opportunistic activity that can target business people is a particular threat in South Africa, Mexico and cities throughout Latin America, where virtual kidnappings and cartel-linked abductions are also prevalent. 

2. Extortion is becoming more sophisticated 

Reporting for January to April 2026 shows that extortion activity is increasingly coordinated across borders by organised crime groups using diaspora networks, encrypted communications, temporary migrants and cyber capabilities.

For example, reported incidents show that South Asian organised crime groups such as the Bishnoi, Bambiha, and Rohit Godara gangs are expanding their operations beyond their traditional heartland of India into overseas communities in places like Canada, Australia and the UK.

What is concerning is that violence increasingly accompanied demands, including shootings, arson attacks on homes and businesses and threats to family members. 

3. Maritime insecurity has re-emerged 

It’s well known that the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz crisis has triggered the most serious maritime disruption seen in years. 

What is less well-known is that with the world’s attention diverted to this region, we are seeing an uptick in maritime piracy and extortion in Somalia, where incidents had been quieter for many years.

Weakened maritime enforcement (diverted to the Gulf) has led to piracy incidents in the first four months of 2026 heading towards the 2011 Somali piracy peak. Reported incidents include, hijackings, armed boardings and long-range attacks. 

If you have people traveling through or working in high-risk areas in the Gulf or offshore, kidnap and ransom insurance provides an up-to-date briefing before they leave, immediate expert support should an incident arise and cover for ransom payments or extortion losses.

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* Based on our analysis of Griffin Underwriting's K&R Review Reports, January to April 2026. 

With thanks to Mika Baumeister on Unsplash for the photograph.