How kidnappers picks their victims
Overtime, there has been reports of some means, how kidnappers picks their victims. Some of the measurements includes, Special occasions like; weddings, galas, high-profile funerals, and milestone celebrations; such as are meant to be moments of joy and connection. However, for organized criminal elements and kidnappers, some of these events have served as moments for them to get rich quickly. The very nature of a celebration—predictability, public visibility, and a relaxed sense of security—provides predators with the perfect window to identify, track, and eventually abduct their targets.
Understanding how some of the hoodlum operates, will guide many who are naive of their tricks. And this is one of the reasons for this awareness today. This article is about developing situational awareness. Now, below is an analysis of the sophisticated and sometimes surprisingly simple methods kidnappers use to track victims during major events.
1. The Digital Trail: Social Media as a Blueprint
In the modern era, the tracking often begins weeks before the event even takes place. Social media is the most potent tool in a kidnapper’s arsenal. You’ll agree with me that so many individuals, lives 80% of their lives on social media. Some does to the extent of dropping every single location online, for their followers to engage with. Unknown to them that some of their followers could be into the kidnapping business, they tend to be cought unawares. Some of this digital means includes:
- Digital Invitations and Flyers: Public posts about upcoming events (e.g., “Join us for the Smith-Doe wedding at The Grand Plaza!”) give criminals the exact time, date, and location.
- Geotagging in Real-Time: Guests and hosts often post “Live” updates. A photo of a champagne toast with a location tag tells a tracker exactly where the victim is at that moment.
- The “Wealth Profile”: Kidnappers use social media to perform a “needs assessment.” By viewing posts of luxury cars, expensive jewelry, or high-end venues, they can estimate the potential ransom value of a target.
2. Surveillance During the Event
Kidnappers rarely strike blindly. Majority of the kidnapers out there, rely on Intel from events. Just as majority comes for celebrations, some of these kidnappers tend to mix with the crowd, in other to spot out their perfect target. A breakdown is provided below:
- Infiltration: In many cases, criminals may pose as service staff, photographers, or even uninvited “plus-ones.” This allows them to get close enough to identify who the “VIPs” are and observe their habits.
- The Valet Vulnerability: The valet stand is a critical data point. By observing which guests arrive in high-end vehicles, kidnappers can identify wealthy targets without ever entering the venue. They may even record license plate numbers to track the vehicle’s registration or home address later.
- Routine Observation: They look for patterns. Does the target step outside frequently for phone calls? Do they leave alone? Which exit do they use?
3. High-Tech Tracking Devices
As technology becomes more accessible, kidnappers have moved beyond visual tailing to electronic tracking. Some of them goes as far as using drones to track own victims. For clarity, see a detail analysis below;
- GPS Trackers (AirTags and Tiles): Small, inexpensive Bluetooth or GPS trackers can be slipped into a target’s handbag, coat pocket, or attached to the underside of a vehicle while it is parked at the venue. This allows the kidnapper to follow the victim to a more secluded location far from the event’s security.
- Wi-Fi Sniffing: Sophisticated groups may use “sniffing” tools to intercept data from public or unsecured venue Wi-Fi, potentially gaining access to the victim’s travel plans or contact information.
4. Strategic Vulnerabilities of “The Occasion”
Occasions create specific psychological and logical lapses that kidnappers exploit:
The “Follow-Home” Method is one of the most common tactics used during occasions is the follow-home. For example, in Nigerian churches, some members follows celebrant to their houses, in the of child dedication, house warming, business laughing, etc. this is why every event leading to your privates apartment must be strictly by invitation.
Also some kidnappers wait for the victim to leave the brightly lit, populated venue. They tail the victim at a safe distance, waiting for them to reach a “soft spot”—usually the driveway of their home or a quiet stretch of road—where security is minimal.During the event, they might have already identified the victim’s car. Once the car moves, the hunt begins. They may use two vehicles to “sandwich” the victim or use a motorcycle to weave through traffic and maintain visual contact without being noticed.
5. Insider Information
Many kidnappings are “inside jobs.” There’s this saying that goes: “inside rat, gave information to outside rat, that there is meat in the kitchen.”
How to prevent being kidnapped
Kidnappers may bribe or coerce individuals who have access to the event’s logistics: monitor you security Personnel: Who might share the target’s exit route.
Keep your drivers in check: Who provide real-time location updates.
Notice your event Planners: Who have access to guest lists and home addresses for gift deliveries. How to Mitigate the risk protecting oneself doesn’t mean skipping the party; it means being a “hard target.”
Delay the Post: Never post photos or “check-ins” until you have physically left the venue.Vary Your Route: If you feel you are being followed after an event, do not go home. Drive to the nearest police station or a highly populated, well-lit area like a 24-hour gas station.
Check Your Perimeter: Periodically check your vehicle for magnetic GPS trackers and be mindful of your surroundings when walking to the parking lot.
Secure Your Circles: Ensure that staff and vendors are vetted, and limit the amount of personal information shared on public event flyers.
In our next security article, we shall reveal some safety precautions from kidnapper. However, in summary, you must note that how kidnappers picks their victims, rely on the predictability and distraction that come with celebrations. By understanding that the “track” begins with a social media post and ends at a dark exit, individuals can take proactive steps to close those windows of opportunity. Awareness is the best defense; when you remain vigilant, you transform from a victim into a person who is simply too difficult—and too risky—to target.Would you like me to create a printable “Event Security Checklist” to help you or your organization stay safe during upcoming functions?
Doctor Brandy Harmon 
