VeriTrace Insight · 11 November 2026
A country ranking can start a conversation about kidnapping. It cannot establish whether a particular journey, assignment or meeting is safe. That decision needs a closer look at who is travelling, where they will go and how their activity changes their exposure.
What the numbers can tell us
In its 2026 outlook, Control Risks reports that kidnaps recorded in its data in 2025 were 60% higher than in 2020. This is a trend within that dataset, not a complete worldwide count or an estimate of an individual traveller’s likelihood of being kidnapped.
Comparisons also need methodological care. Eurostat explains that national crime data and collection methods can differ, despite common statistical definitions and counting rules. A credible comparison checks the offence definition, reporting period, geographic coverage and whether a figure counts incidents or people.
From a national picture to a specific decision
VeriTrace’s assessment is that a national total should be treated as context. A deployment decision needs evidence about the planned locations, movements and activities, alongside current advice and local confirmation.
For example, two teams visiting the same country may have very different exposure: one stays at an established urban site; another travels repeatedly between remote locations. This is an illustrative comparison, not a judgement that either arrangement is safe.
Five questions before deployment
Where exactly? Assess destinations, transit points and planned routes separately rather than relying on a national label.
Who and what activity? Consider the team’s role, public visibility, affiliations and the purpose of the visit.
How current is the evidence? Record the date and location of relevant reporting, its reliability and what remains unconfirmed.
What can local partners substantiate? Test assumptions about transport, communications, accommodation and support against more than one credible source where possible.
What would change the decision? Agree who reviews new information and what would trigger a pause, revised plan or further specialist advice.
A better briefing question
Instead of asking only “Where does this country rank?”, ask: “What evidence changes our decision about this team, this activity and this journey?”
A useful pre-deployment briefing distinguishes confirmed information, analytical judgement and unresolved gaps. It supports the organisation’s security decision; it does not replace operational planning or guarantee safety.
Discuss a pre-deployment briefing
Sources
Control Risks: Kidnap and extortion in 2026
Eurostat: Crime and criminal justice methodology
© 2026 VeriTrace Intelligence Limited. Original commentary; external findings are attributed above.