It happened in November in Mexico City. A frum 19-year old boy was kidnapped and a larhe sum of money was demanded for his safe release.

The youth named Shlomo was freed on Dec. 30th. The release of the news was not publicized until Monday.

His parents were quickly contacted following his abduction on Nov. 12 from inside the apartment building where he lived.

The kidnappers had little to no difficulty in getting past the security guard — but the negotiations lasted for a full 40 days.

According to the Mexican Jewish press, the family paid “a large ransom” for Shlomo’s release.

In Mexico, with its history of drug-war violence and corrupt police, kidnapping is rather common. In the past, they used to target the rich. Now, victims are often shopkeepers, taxi drivers, service employees, parking attendants and now frum kids. Targets also tend to be young — students, with parents willing to pay ransoms, are commonly targeted.

In late December, a Jewish father and son were also kidnapped and freed in Venezuela.

(Source: OnlySimchas.com)