Report: Family of former Mexican Senator pay $20 million ransom to kidnappers

[News_Editor]

Report: Family of former Mexican Senator pay $20 million ransom to kidnappers

2010-10-14 22:02:11 GMT+7 (ICT)

MEXICO CITY (BNO NEWS) -- Family members of Mexican former senator Diego Fernandez de Cevallos said they have paid kidnappers a $20 million ransom and expect him to be freed during the first week of November, local media reported Thursday.

Fernandez de Cevallos, an emblematic member of Mexico's National Action Party (PAN) and former presidential candidate, popularly known as "Diego, The Boss," on May 14 was kidnapped on his ranch La Cabaña located in Pedro Escobedo, Queretaro, which is about a 40 minute drive northwest of Mexico City.

A source close to his family on Thursday - which marks the 153rd day of his capture - told El Universal newspaper that they had paid more than $20 million for his release.

Since his capture, the kidnappers have made their requests public through social networking websites on three different occasions: six days after the kidnapping on May 20, on July 26, and on September 13.

On the first occasion, a photograph of de Cevallos was uploaded to the Internet where he was seen shirtless, blindfolded, and holding a sign that showed a handwritten date: May 16. Following the release of the photograph, the family lawyer requested federal authorities to halt investigations in order to facilitate negotiations.

No further news was known until another photograph was released on July 26, which was addressed to De Cevallos' son, and later on September 13, again using social networking sites, a statement was released on behalf of the captors.

"Age: 69. Height: 1.70 meters (5 foot 7). Weight: 65 kilograms (146 pounds). Build: very slim. Complexion: light brown. Identifiable features: scar on his spine. National Bank of Missing People," the statement read.

"They say that Diego the Boss seemed the viceroy of New Spain and, consequently, many wanted him arrested or worse, dead. They say that for all practical purposes, he served as vice president of Mexico. And on the night when his past caught up, there were those who wanted him to rot in hel_l and those who thought of him as a tough bastard," the statement added.

The statement continues to mock De Cevallos, describing him as "untouchable and powerful" and "harvester of storms." It is unknown whether he was a victim of organized crime, a powerful government group or a guerrilla organization, it adds.

Signed by "Mysterious disappearers," the statement continues by saying that his family has abandoned him, his friends have forgotten him, and no one cares of his fate.

Fernandez de Cevallos family have stayed away from media outlets and since requesting authorities to stop their efforts in order to negotiate his release, no official statement has been released on their behalf.

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