There is an ongoing threat of kidnapping in many parts of the world. Motivations of kidnappers differ, but may include:
- kidnapping for ransom or financial gain
- kidnapping for ideological reasons
- kidnapping for political reasons
- kidnapping by pirates
This page provides general advice about what to do if you find out an Australian friend or family member has been kidnapped overseas. It covers:
- how to report an overseas kidnapping
- ransom and demands from kidnappers
- the Australian Government's role when an Australian is kidnapped overseas
If you can't contact an Australian overseas and there is no evidence of kidnapping, the person may be missing. See our advice on what to do if an Australian is missing overseas.
Report a kidnapping
Kidnapping is a crime. Report all crimes to the local authorities. Local police contacts are under 'emergency contacts' on each destination's travel advisory.
Also report the kidnapping to the 24-hour consular emergency centre on:
- +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
- 1300 555 135 from within Australia
There are limits to how and when the Australian Government can assist when someone is kidnapped overseas. See the Consular Services Charter.
Ransom and demands
Kidnappers are often motivated by money. They can also be motivated by ideological or political reasons.
If you choose to concede to their demands, it doesn't always result in the victims release. Kidnappers don't always honour agreements.
The Australian Government does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
Ransom
The kidnappers may demand a ransom from you to release the victim. Paying the ransom doesn't guarantee the kidnappers will release the victim.
Some kidnappers make further demands once you've paid.
The Australian Government does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers, many of whom are associated with terrorist groups, can be used to fund subsequent terrorist attacks. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian anti-terrorism financing laws.
Demands
The kidnappers may make demands. This could be as well as or instead of money. They may demand concessions from the local government, such as the release of a prisoner. The prisoner could be a terrorist, political prisoner or general criminal.
The Australian Government does not concede to kidnapper demands, under any circumstances.
The Australian Government's role
The Australian Government may be severely limited in its ability to provide consular assistance in
- destinations where we advise against all travel and don't have a mission in-country
- places where the security situation is particularly dangerous or access is difficult
For more information about the Australian Government's kidnapping policy, contact Consular Services.
What we can do when someone is kidnapped overseas
If an Australian is kidnapped, the Australian Government works closely with the government of the country in which the kidnapping has taken place, to try to resolve the situation. We will inform families about what they can expect and provide them with clear and timely updates to help them make informed decisions.
What the Australian Government can't do
The Australian Government does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers, many of whom are associated with terrorist groups, can be used to fund subsequent terrorist attacks. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian anti-terrorism financing laws.
- we can't pay ransoms or concede to demands
- we can't pass on demands to (or influence the decisions of) a foreign government
- we can't give you legal advice
- we can't conduct criminal investigations overseas
Where to get help
You can get help from the local authorities in the victim's destination. Local police contacts are on each destination's travel advisory.
You can get consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact an Australian diplomatic mission, contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
Read more
- Understand how and when Consular Services can help
- Read about travelling with children
- What to do when an Australian is missing overseas
See also
- Read the Attorney General's information about international parental child abduction
- ASIO's Outreach unit provides intelligence-based information on matters affecting the security of Australian businesses.
- Contact Lifeline Australia if someone know has been kidnapped and you need personal support