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Australian traveler reports two alleged kidnappings in Sicily during October trip
An Australian woman said she was driven away from a kiteboarding meet-up in Lo Stagnone, Sicily, then escaped after about 12 kilometers. Hours later, a security guard who offered her a ride allegedly demanded compensation and she fled again.
Jul 9, 11:23 AM·1m read1 source
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She had joined the group after her friends departed and remained in the area to explore kiteboarding and local €1-house programs. After entering a car with a European expat driver, she said the vehicle sped up on narrow roads and she texted her location to an instructor.
The passenger later asked whether others were returning to the driver’s residence, prompting the traveler to test the door, find it unlocked, and run until she reached a nearby town.
Second incident A security guard who agreed to drive her to her accommodation later stopped in an alley and typed a message on her phone asking what she would do in return for the ride. She said she opened the door again and ran into a vineyard, then walked the remaining distance while avoiding headlights and making purchases at vending machines to create a record of her location.
The traveler reached her lodging and later reunited with the kiteboarding group. She stated the first driver was a European expat and said the experience has delayed her plans to purchase property in Italy.
