[UPDATED] Ransom demand for kidnapped doubles vendor

Head of the police Specialised Support Division ACP Wayne Mystar says a ransom demand has been made for kidnapped doubles vendor Anisha Hosein.

Hosein was grabbed on May 18 by armed men and forced into a silver Nissan B15.

The car was found abandoned several hours later in Maracas, St Joseph.

Speaking in the morning on May 21 on internet radio station Power 102 Digital, Mystar said the family received the ransom demand and was negotiating with the kidnappers.

“The Anti-kidnapping Unit would have indicated there was a ransom (demand) and some special negotiations are going on, so we are keeping our fingers crossed that those negotiations work out.”

Mystar said he did not want to disclose the ransom amount but did say the kidnappers were yet to provide proof of life at the time of the interview on the morning on May 21.

“Part of the protocol is they have to give a proof of life during the negotiation, and we should have that sometime this morning (May 21).”

Hosein’s husband Richie Singh posted on Facebook that reports that a ransom was demanded were not true.

However, Newsday was unable to get any comment from Hosein’s family on May 21.

During the interview, Mystar said the kidnappers appeared to have tactical training.

“Based on that particular footage and other situations we observed, those persons are trained to operate tactically and covertly, so there is a level of training.”

Asked about the possible origin of the training, he expressed concern about the possibility of the kidnappers being former police or soldiers.

“We can’t say for sure, but definitely it’s a concern.

“We have personnel who were discharged or dismissed in the past and we don’t know what they are doing at this particular time, so we are deeply concerned about that (possibility).”

Mystar said the police are also aware of an apparent trend of businesses connected to the Sauce brand being targeted by criminals.

“Definitely, there's a trend. We are paying attention to that particular trend. If you put some pieces together, because it's not business as usual so to speak, so there is a track.”

Asked if the family has not asked for police protection, Mystar said he was not aware of any such request.

He urged anyone who had seen or heard anything about Hosein’s kidnapping to “say something.

“People want to be anonymous and we understand that, so the Crimestoppers number (800-TIPS) is very useful. They (Crimestoppers) are not interested in the identity information.

“There's no such thing as what you call a perfect crime. We have members of the public who must see or hear something and we need them to give us that information urgently and anonymously.

“So call 800-TIPS and once we have that information, we're going to act on it.”

He dismissed concerns by listeners that his comments could put Hosein in greater danger.

“Not much information is being given out technically, so it is what it is.”

Ex-NOC head: Police must give updates

Former head of the National Operations Centre (NOC) Garvin Heerah said although the investigation is at a delicate stage, he believes it is important the police provide the public with regular updates.

He said this is regular international best practice, as it builds the confidence needed for tips from the public, which can lead to a breakthrough in the case.

Heerah suggested the public is less likely to provide tips unless they feel confident it will be acted on.

“It's very important for the TTPS to establish and maintain an ongoing situational awareness media brief so as to provide updates and case development. This approach will strengthen the trust and confidence of the citizenry in the TTPS.”

Newsday tried to call Mystar and the head of the North Central Division, Richard Smith, in the afternoon on May 21 for an update on the proof of life, but there was no response.

Head of the Criminal Investigations Department Suzette Martin told Newsday on May 21 she was about to attend a meeting “based on what is in the public domain.”

Asked after the meeting if she could confirm the ransom demand, she said she preferred not to comment.

She said the investigation was at a critical stage and she was "unable to divulge any information at this time” but a press release would be issued eventually.

“(Media briefings) is an international best practice but based on the critical stage this investigation is at, we are unable to do that but we will give the press an update.”

Heerah acknowledged there are aspects of any active kidnapping investigation that cannot be disclosed.

“Understandably, there may be intelligence that the general public may or may not be privy to… There are numerous dynamics to managing a kidnapping operation. As you would appreciate, not all is for the public domain, as it would involve covert policing tactics.”

The regional security expert pointed to other international best practices in handling kidnappings and ransom demands.

He said a negotiation team should be assembled to handle communications with the kidnappers.

“Ensure that negotiations are conducted by professionals trained in hostage situations to avoid escalating tensions.”

He added that established protocols for handling ransom demands should be followed, including proof of life.

Support for Anisha growing

Public support for Hosein and her family continues to grow throughout the country and on social media.

Comments under Newsday’s post about the ransom demand included, “Jesus bring her home safely,” while another person said, “Lord Jesus, please guide these people and let her return home safely. PROTECT HER.”

Another person extended prayers to her family, saying, “My prayers are with this family right now this young lady may she return home safely with her family.”

Hundreds of people, including family members, neighbours, and other well-wishers, also turned up for a candlelight vigil for Hosein on May 20 in Acono Road, St Joseph.

The march was organised by St Joseph residents, who chanted, “Trinidad and Tobago, enough is enough!” as they walked from Acono Road to nearby Greenhill.

Flagbearer at the vigil Willon Ivan Nurse told Newsday he believed there was a disconnect between the government and a society living in terror.

“Too much of women being murdered; too much of men being killed in the street.

“The Opposition is doing nothing; the Ministry of National Security is doing nothing. They don't know how to fight crime.

He said the turnout was positive and “shows the people are truly fed up.”

Nurse called on the police to be more visible and increase the number of patrols countrywide.

A woman at the march told Newsday as a businesswoman and mother of a young child, she felt upset by the kidnapping.

“We are tired and frustrated. You can see how many have been impacted based on the turnout.”

Several of Hosein's relatives attended but did not speak with the media.

This story was originally published has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

HEAD of the police Specialized Support Division ACP Wayne Mystar says a ransom demand has been made for kidnapped doubles vendor Anisha Hosein.

Hosein was grabbed on May 18 by armed men and forced into a silver Nissan B15.

The car was found abandoned several hours later in Maracas, St Joseph.

Speaking this morning on Power 102’s Power Breakfast Show, Mystar said the family received the ransom demand and is now negotiating with the kidnappers.

“The Anti-kidnapping Unit would have indicated there was a ransom (demand) and some special negotiations are going on so…we are keeping our fingers crossed that those negotiations work out.”

Mystar said he did not want to disclose the ransom amount, but did say the kidnappers are yet to provide proof of life at the time of the interview in the morning on May 21.

“Part of the protocol is they have to give a proof of life during the negotiation, and we should have that sometime this morning (May 21).”