People who have been "kidnap victims" in Mozambique continue to be blackmailed by their kidnappers into paying money even after they are released, according to the Attorney General's Office.

"This situation has created a feeling of insecurity for citizens, especially the victims, who remain hostages even after their physical release, being constantly blackmailed for payment of amounts," Beatriz Buchili said during the Attorney General's annual briefing, which began today and ends tomorrow.

This situation is especially aggravated when those targeted have not paid the full amount required for their redemption.

The attorney general said that kidnapping crimes have been increasing, especially in Maputo city and Sofala province, and the "criminal groups" have cross-border ramifications, maintaining "cells" in countries like South Africa.

Beatriz Buchili said that in 2021 the country recorded 14 criminal cases for kidnapping compared to 18 in 2020, a reduction by four cases.

"To face this type of criminality, we have been acting in preventive and repressive ways, including the use of cooperation instruments, at an international level and in the SADC [Southern African Development Community] region, with emphasis on South Africa," he emphasized.

Internally, the Public Prosecutor's Office has intensified articulation with telecommunication services, credit institutions and financial companies, aiming to ensure the flow of information on suspected kidnappings, he added.

Source: Lusa