Mexico a world leader in kidnappings

MEXICO CITY, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Mexico has surpassed fellow Latin American nations Brazil and Colombia to become the world leader in kidnapping, investigators said Wednesday.

During the first six months of 2005, 194 people were abducted in Mexico, while 172 were kidnapped in Colombia and 169 in Brazil.

Officials with Citizen Council for Public Safety, which conducted the study of Mexican kidnappings, said Wednesday the number of abductions in Mexico might be higher, since not all kidnappings are reported.

Many Mexicans do not notify police when someone is abducted, for fear authorities are involved in the kidnapping or will inadvertently kill the victim while pursuing the kidnappers.