[ls612]

Kidnapping for ransom used to be big business for US organized crime. Then the law changed to basically outlaw paying ransoms (all negotiations had to go through the FBI) and while a few people died, kidnapping for ransom in the US largely died as well after the 80s.

[akoboldfrying]

This is really interesting, thanks. Is it generally believed that this law change is the reason for the sharp drop in kidnapping in the US? (Or did it coincide with other changes that might explain it?)

[ls612]

A credible policy of not paying ransoms led to it becoming an unprofitable business.