“Kidnapping” means unlawfully detaining a person or persons against their will (including through the use of force; threat; fraud or enticement) for the purpose of demanding for their liberation an illicit gain or any other economic gain or other material benefit; or in order to oblige someone to do or not to do something. “Kidnapping” excludes disputes over child custody. (UN-CTS M5.5)

Kidnapping rate (cases per 100,000 population)

2005201020112012201320142015
Dominican Republic0.20.20.2
Belize3.20.91.21.1
Honduras0.51.00.70.5
Guatemala0.40.90.80.50.30.3
El Salvador0.10.50.30.20.20.30.3
Panama0.51.10.70.50.70.60.4
Costa Rica0.30.20.30.10.10.1
Nicaragua0.20.1