In the same period, the organization identified 53 victims of maritime piracy, an increase of 35.33 percent, the report said.

Ten foreigners were kidnapped during the quarter under review, 19 fewer than from January to April, a reduction of 65.51 percent, according to the platform’s data.

Cardh estimates that the drop in kidnappings could be related to the Bwa Kale operation, initiated by citizens to lynch suspected members of armed groups.

From April to date, at least 210 alleged gang members have been killed, and their bodies burnt, the organization said, although the United Nations puts the figure at 224.

“Since its launch on April 24, 2023, in Canapé-Vert, this movement has led to a significant drop in kidnappings in the second quarter and a slowdown in other gang-related activities,” said Cardh.

In addition, the organization noted that a maritime route was opened between the center of the capital and Carrefour at the southern exit of Port-au-Prince, to avoid Martissant, an area that has been under gang control for the past two years.

Cardh warns that kidnapping cases could increase in the coming months as Operation Bwa Kale weakens.

The kidnapping industry grew exponentially in Haiti as gangs took control of wider areas of the capital, with thousands of cases reported since mid-2021.

Police, meanwhile, have been overwhelmed by the armed groups and with greatly reduced means to combat them.

jrr/ybc/jha/ane