This book examines the phenomenon of kidnap-for-ransom, a crime that has been described as a 'modern scourge'. It draws on a large body of data from across the world and utilizes a range of theories and concepts from the social sciences and business disciplines to analyze and explain its widespread use by criminals and pirates. Case studies are extensively utilized to illustrate general observations on kidnap-for-ransom. The book provides comprehensive coverage including the latest manifestations of the phenomenon. There are chapters on different types of kidnap-for-ransom that include criminals, terrorists, pirates and cyber operators. The dreadful effects of the crime and the responses to combat it are also covered. The reader will emerge with a broad understanding of this crime and of the many forms it takes. The book will be of interest to academics and researchers working in the areas of Financial Crime, Security Studies, Criminology and Economics.