[UPDATED] Kidnapped Venezuelan woman, 30, freed

THE 30-year-old Venezuelan who was kidnapped on August 26 has been released after an undisclosed sum of ransom was paid on August 27.

Details were sketchy, but police investigators and a close female relative confirmed that she was “in good health.”

It was unclear where and how the transaction took place as the police had not yet disclosed details of the ordeal, saying the investigation was at a sensitive stage.

The freed woman, Lady Dianna Tavarez, 30, of Siparia, was assisting members of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit when Newsday visited the community on the afternoon of August 27.

On her release from her captors, she was taken to the Siparia District Health Facility for a medical checkup.

She was believed to be held at a house in the South Western Division.

A ransom demand of US$3,000 or TT$25,000 was made around 5 pm on August 26, hours after she left her home to go to the Penal area to make a transaction.

“Money was paid. I cannot say how much. Right now, she is with the police, talking to them. She is doing ok,” a close relative, who asked that her name not be used, told Newsday.

Taravez works as an agent who transfers money to clients in Venezuela. She also buys and sells clothing.

She had arranged with someone to buy crypto digital money and reportedly left with about TT$18,000 to do the transaction in Penal.

She left home around 10.15 am on August 26 with two male occupants in a white B15 car sent by the person to go to make a transaction.

Shortly before 5 pm, a close relative got a call, and the person on the other end said he had Tavarez against her will and wanted US$3,000 or TT $25,000 for her safe return.

Two hours later, the person called back and spoke to the relative.

All subsequent calls went to voicemail.

Relatives reported the kidnapping around 10.40 pm at the Siparia Police Station.

Apart from Siparia police, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, police were informed.

Cpl Ramroop is leading the investigation.

This story was originally published with the title "Ransom demand for kidnapped Venezuelan woman" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

A ransom demand of US $3,000 has been made for a Venezuelan woman who was kidnapped on August 26 in the South Western Division.

The whereabouts of Lady Dianna Tavarez, 30, of Siparia, remained unknown up to August 27.

Relatives reported the kidnapping around 10.40 pm at the Siparia Police Station.

Taravez works as an agent who transfers money to clients in Venezuela. She also buys and sells clothing.

She left home around 10.15 am on August 26, with two male occupants in a white B15 car to go to the Penal area to make a transaction.

Shortly before 5 pm, a relative got a call, and the person on the other end said he had Tavarez against her will and wanted US$3,000 for her safe return.

The police said no ransom had been paid.

Apart from Siparia police, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, police were informed

The police described her as slim-built, with fair skin and shoulder-length curly hair. She weighs about 120 pounds and is 180 cm tall.

Cpl Ramroop is leading the investigation.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts can call the nearest police station. People can also call the police at 555, 999 or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).