Abductors Demand US$2.5 Million For Release of Derek and Claribel Tardieu

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro says abduction of a 70-year-old man and his 47-year-old wife at their Monos Island home over the last  weekend is at a “sensitive stage” and it would not be prudent to reveal operational details publicly.

Screen shot shows husband and wife being held by abductors armed with guns and a grenade and demanding US$2.5 million ransomThe kidnappers are demanding a random of US$2.5 million for the release of Derek and Claribel Tardieu, who appeared on social media pleading for their lives.

“What I can assure is that several of our specialised units are actively engaged in this investigation. I urge members of the public who have any information to please co-operate with the TTPS (Trinidad and Tobago Police Service) so as to ensure that Mr Tardieu is returned safely to his family,” Guevarro said.

“Kidnapping for ransom will be met with decisive action, and the TTPS remains fully committed to protecting citizens and bringing perpetrators to justice,” he added.

Media reports said that a family friend had received a voice note from a cellphone with a Colombian registration number informing them of the kidnapping.

In the message, Tardieu, confirms being snatched with the abductors demanding “2.5 million US for meh release”.

A video of the couple was circulated on social media and showed what appeared to be a gun pointed at Tardieu’s head and hand with a grenade under his head. The suspects holding the weapons to Tardieu’s head were not seen in the video, however.

Tardieu is heard appealing to a relative in English and Spanish, asking for money for the release of himself and his wife.

Monos Island  located about half a mile off the northwestern end of Trinidad, in the area known as Bocas del Dragon (Dragon’s mouth) which is 19km wide and is subdivided into four islands: Monos Island, Huevos, Chacachacare and Gaspar Grande.