Families of MLB players in Venezuela at risk

Major league catcher Henry Blanco's brother was recently found riddled with bullets, a kidnap victim whom authorities believe was also a target for ransom in Venezuela.

• In 2004, pitcher Ugie Urbina's mother was kidnapped and held in the jungle for 5 months.

• May 2008 US State Dept. on Venezuela:

"SAFETY AND SECURITY: Violent crime in Venezuela is pervasive, both in the capital, Caracas, and in the interior.

• The country has one of the highest per-capita murder rates in the world.

• Armed robberies take place in broad daylight throughout the city, including areas generally presumed safe and frequented by tourists.

• A common technique is to choke the victim into unconsciousness and then rob them of all they are carrying.

Well-armed criminal gangs operate with impunity, often setting up fake police checkpoints.

• Kidnapping is a particularly serious problem, with
• more than 1,000 reported during the past year alone.

Investigation of all crime is haphazard and ineffective.

• In the case of high-profile killings, the authorities quickly round up suspects, but rarely produce evidence linking these individuals to the crime.

Only a very small percentage of criminals are tried and convicted."...

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