Authorities in Jalisco have revealed a new kidnapping modality that operates through the popular instant messaging application WhatsApp, owned by Meta, as reported by Infobae.
The Unidad Especializada en Combate al Secuestro (UECS) has identified a pattern in the modus operandi used by this criminal cell to deceive and deprive their victims of their freedom.
The modality consists of contacting people dedicated to the provision of services through WhatsApp, offering them false job opportunities in exchange for large sums of money.
Once an interview is arranged, the victims are stripped of their belongings and held against their will.
From the victims' telephones, the kidnappers demand ransoms ranging from 15,000 pesos to one million dollars, sending photographs of the kidnapped persons to intimidate their relatives.
The authorities' recommendations include verifying the identity of those requesting labor services, informing family members about any job appointments and not relying on attractive job offers without details about working hours and locations.
