Notable Kidnappings in Brazil Back in the Headlines As Olympics Near

Bernie Ecclestone is the head of Formula One and worth about $3.1 billion. Aparecida Schunck, Ecclestone’s 67-year old mother-in-law, was reportedly kidnapped in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Friday night. She is being held for $36.5 million ransom.

On Saturday, Jason Lee, a jui-jitsu fighter from New Zealand, living and coaching in Brazil, was pulled over by men dressed as police. He was then transported to an unmarked car and driven to two ATMs where he was forced to withdraw a total of 2,000 Brazilian Reals ($610.56). Lee recounted the entire story to stuff.co.nz.

These kidnappings are a bit troubling with the start of the Olympics and the related influx of foreigners just days away. Kidnappings have dropped over the last decade, but Brazil is in the middle of a horrible economic crisis. While even the Athletes Village hasn’t been immune to crime, at least there would be constant security. Some countries are currently looking for alternate accommodations outside the Olympic Village because housing is either unfinished or dangerous.