Merchants of Men: How Kidnapping, Ransom and Trafficking Fund Terrorism and ISIS

The Middle East's kidnapping industry is now worth hundreds of billions of dollars annually, controlled by a new breed of criminals who have profited from the political chaos and instability in the region. Loretta Napoleoni's research reveals the business of kidnap and ransom and its link to terrorist activity.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 304 pages
\n Publication date: 04 January 2018
\n Publisher: Atlantic Books
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Every day, a powerful and sophisticated underground business operates along the Mediterranean coasts of Europe, delivering thousands of refugees to their destinations. This business is controlled by a new breed of criminals who have emerged from the post-9/11 political chaos, the failure of the Arab Spring, the destabilization of Syria and Iraq, and the rise of ISIS. The ever-increasing political volatility in the region has provided these criminals with new business opportunities, ranging from trafficking millions of refugees to selling Western hostages to jihadist groups. The kidnapping industry in the Middle East has now become a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, with estimates suggesting that it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars annually.

Loretta Napoleoni's exclusive and meticulous research into the business of kidnap and ransom, and its connection to terrorist activity, is based on first-hand accounts from interviews with hostage negotiators and former hostages themselves. Merchants of Men is a fascinating and eye-opening exploration of this most shocking of financial interdependencies.

The book delves into the intricate networks of criminals, politicians, and intelligence agencies that are involved in the kidnapping industry. It sheds light on the methods used by these groups to extract ransoms, including the use of threats, intimidation, and even violence. Napoleoni also explores the motivations behind these kidnappings, which range from political grievances to financial gain.

One of the most striking aspects of Merchants of Men is the way in which it demonstrates the interconnectedness of the global economy. The book shows how the kidnapping industry is not limited to a specific region or country but is a global phenomenon that affects economies and societies across the world. It highlights the role of multinational corporations, financial institutions, and even governments in facilitating these transactions.

The book also raises important ethical and moral questions about the role of the international community in addressing the kidnapping industry. It questions whether the focus should be on preventing kidnappings or on negotiating ransoms and releasing hostages. Napoleoni argues that the international community should take a more proactive approach to combating the industry, including by implementing stricter laws and regulations, increasing cooperation between countries, and providing support to victims and their families.

In conclusion, Merchants of Men is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and dangerous world of kidnapping and ransom. It provides a fascinating and eye-opening exploration of this most shocking of financial interdependencies, and raises important ethical and moral questions about the role of the international community in addressing this issue.

\n Weight: 284g\n
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781782399933\n
Edition number: Main\n