Chaguanas woman, 62, reported kidnapped, held for ransom

Police are searching for a 62-year-old Charlieville mother of two after relatives reported that a male kidnapper called a relative late Monday night, demanding $450,000 for her safe release.

Up to Tuesday at 5 pm, the whereabouts of Yaseem “Jasmin” Kadir, who lives at Ashraff Road in Chaguanas, remained unknown. Newsday learnt that investigators were interviewing a “person of interest” who may help them solve the case.

Reports are Kadir, a security officer with Guardsman Security, left home on Sunday morning for work. Co-workers last saw her at Main Road, near Busy Corner in Chaguanas, where a taxi dropped her off. She was wearing her uniform.

Kadir works at Oasis Gardens in Endeavour. However, she changes locations from time to time.

On Monday at about 11.50 pm, relatives began to panic after her daughter, who lives in Tobago, got a call on her cell. The male voice on the other end said Kadir was kidnapped and demanded the ransom for her release.

All calls to Kadir's cell have gone unanswered. Relatives checked several places and spoke to friends and other relatives, none of whom could shed light on Kadir’s whereabouts.

Kadir’s son spoke briefly with Newsday outside the Chaguanas police station on Tuesday.

He said investigations are ongoing, and he cannot share any details.

“We do not know where she is, but we have full confidence in the police at this time. The police are very co-operative, and they are working very hard to find her.

“Once police tell me I can release information, I will keep you informed,” he said.

Chaguanas police as well as officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit are investigating.