Kidnapped men is freed to pay for own ransom

Urban violence is nothing new to Brazil, particularly in large cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Armed robbery, murders and kidnappings happen at a very high rate, and the local population has managed to adapt to this situation one way or another. This week, however, a kidnapping took a different turn when a kidnapped businessman was freed before any ransom was paid, so he could arrange for the payment himself. According to the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper, the 63-year-old man was freed just hours after being kidnapped, with the compromise he should pay the ransom or be killed. He continued receiving threatening calls even after giving the money to the criminals, at which point he decided to contact the police. One man has been arrested, while three remain at large.