Anti-kidnapping expert gets kidnapped in Mexico

How bad is crime in Mexico? This bad:

A U.S. anti-kidnapping expert was abducted by gunmen in northern Mexico last week, a sign of just how bold this nation's kidnapping gangs have become.

U.S. security consultant Felix Batista was in Saltillo in Coahuila state to offer advice on how to confront abductions for ransom when he was snatched by unknown assailants on Dec. 10, said Charlie LeBlanc, the president of the Houston, Texas-based security firm ASI Global LLC., where Batista is a consultant.

"We have notified the FBI and Mexican authorities, and they are working on the case," LeBlanc said Monday. "What we are doing is we're offering our support to the family and hoping for the best."

Kidnappings in Mexico, especially in northern border states, have skyrocketed as part of increased drug-related violence. Last week authorities found the remains of Silvia Vargas; her kidnapping galvanized Mexicans beset by violence.

(Hat tip: FARK.com).

Image- BBC News (Millions of Mexicans marched in September to protest the nationwide rash of kidnappings).
Sources- The Latin Americanist, AP, newsweek.com, FARK.com