A South Florida couple visiting Port-au-Prince, Haiti on March 18th has reportedly been abducted. According to Fox News, the kidnappers originally demanded a $6,000 ransom for the couple, from their family members.
However, the captors are now reportedly asking for an additional $200,000 per victim.
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The Kidnappers Have Increased The Ransom Demand For Their American Captives
According to Fox News, the family members of Jean Dickens Toussaint and Abigail Toussaint satisfied the original ransom demand of $6,000.
However, according to the relatives, the kidnappers not only increased their demand to an extra $200,000. But they would like it to be satisfied per person, according to the outlet.
https://twitter.com/NajeeMaite/status/1639006849818148866?s=20
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According to ABC Miami, the family reportedly spoke with the kidnappers on Sunday. One member explained that captors instructed the couple to “call like the first person you have from your like recent list.”
That was when the kidnappers shared that they raised their demand.
Jean Dickens Toussaint’s sister, Nikese Toussaint, shared her reaction with the outlet.
“We don’t have that type of money.”
Furthermore, no one has been able to get back in touch with the couple since Sunday’s call.
Family members tell ABC Miami that the couple shares a two-year-old son who is celebrating his birthday on Tuesday.
“It’s so sad. We have been talking to the baby a lot, we get a couple smiles in when we speak to him, but we also get really sad.”
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The Couple's Escorts Were Also Reportedly Kidnapped
Jean Dickens Toussaint and Abigail Toussaint were reportedly visiting the country to see “ailing relatives and attend a local festival.”
However, the couple was abducted from a bus along with their escort.
According to ABC Miami, the couple’s niece shared more details.
“They stopped the bus at a stop, and they asked for the Americans on the bus and their escorts to come off the bus, and then they took them.”
#4
The United States' Response To The Kidnapping, And Others, In Haiti
According to Fox News, the U.S. State Department is aware of the Toussaints’ kidnapping. In addition, the department is working with local authorities to find the couple.
The U.S. State Department shared a statement with the outlet.
“We are aware of reports of two U.S. citizens missing in Haiti. When a U.S. citizen is missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts, and we share information with families however we can.”
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Furthermore, the U.S. State Department is advising Americans not to travel to Haiti during this time.
As The Shade Room previously reported, since the fatal shooting of President Jovenel Moïse, the country has struggled to recover from a 7.2-magnitude earthquake and rampant crime.
