kidnapping

Kidnapping is the act of forcibly or secretly taking and detaining a person against their will. It involves unlawful restraint and transport to a location where the victim is kept or moved, typically through coercion, deception, or threats. Legal definitions vary by jurisdiction, but most systems require intent to confine the person and to obtain some advantage, such as money, leverage, or compliance.

Common motivations include ransom, political or ideological objectives, labor or sexual exploitation, or child custody disputes. Parental kidnapping refers to a guardian or noncustodial parent taking a child across borders or to another location, often triggering both criminal and civil proceedings.

Penalties generally include imprisonment and fines; additional charges may apply if violence, the use of weapons, restraint, or harm occurs. Jurisdictions may treat kidnapping as a serious felony, with enhanced penalties when the victim is a child or when the abduction crosses borders or involves interstate transport. In some countries, there are separate offenses for abduction of a minor or detention without consent.

Enforcement relies on police investigations, forensics, and international cooperation for cross-border cases. International instruments such as the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction address certain child abductions and facilitate return or custody decisions. Public awareness campaigns and missing-person alerts assist in prevention and rapid recovery when a kidnapping is suspected.

Impact on victims can include physical injury, long-term psychological trauma, and disruption of families and communities. Societal responses emphasize protection of vulnerable persons, rapid investigation, and accountability for perpetrators.