In this bulletin, we look at how the world is emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, and what that means for travel security risks for the coming year. While the pandemic and its associated lockdowns halted or delayed most travel in 2020, we nonetheless saw the persistence of some travel threats, and the emergence of others. We focus on some of the key travel security stories of the year, including a look at the latest developments in kidnapping, organised crime, and piracy, and look at how the pandemic has impacted the work of emergency responders.
Covid-19 fallout: Civil unrest in the wake of the pandemic
From March 2020, governments around the world imposed lockdowns and other restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Disaster risks during Covid-19
Responding to the pandemic has strained many governments’ emergency response resources and put added pressure on supply chains.
Another door opens: Gangs gain a foothold in a post-Covid world
Organised crime was affected by the COVID-19 crisis just as most other enterprises. As a result, gangs around the world have had to adapt to make the most of, or to exploit, the changed circumstances.
Disappearing act: Virtual kidnappings in North America
Virtual kidnappings have not been particularly common in North America, but recent incidents suggest it is becoming an increasing threat.
Kidnap and extortion in Russia-CIS: New and old tricks
Criminal groups in the Russia-CIS region have used a variety of means to target victims during the pandemic.
Covid-19 and the rising threat of piracy and maritime crime around the world
Vessels forced to remain at sea and increasingly challenging socio-economic circumstances on land have created the conditions for an increase in maritime attacks and piracy incidents in 2020.