New kidnapping in Colombia
Stein Vatne, 46, employed as concrete foreman at Skanska’s hydroelectric power project Urrá in Colombia, has been reported kidnapped while on vacation leave in the country.
NEW KIDNAPPING IN COLOMBIA
Stein Vatne, 46, employed as concrete foreman at Skanska’s hydroelectric power project Urrá in Colombia, has been reported kidnapped while on vacation leave in the country.
Vatne, a Norwegian citizen, has resided in Latin America since 1986. Vatne left his workplace, Urrá, by plane on February 20. He is reported to have continued from Monteria by car in order to drive to his family in Ecuador. At the end of the month when he had not been heard of, his workplace contacted the police.
Vatne’s car has been found by military personnel 100 kilometers north of Medellin. The car was abandoned with broken ignition switch.
Stein Vatne is considered to be well aware of local conditions in Latin America and is Spanish speaking.
In December 1994, two Skanska engineers were kidnapped when traveling to their place of work. After six months, they were released unharmed. They are now back at work.
The kidnapping resulted in a tightening of security routines at the work site - for example, employees are now transported by plane or helicopter to and from the site and the nearest town, Monteria, and more stringent traveling rules have been enforced.
Danderyd, March 10, 1997
SKANSKA AB
Group Public Affairs