In a dramatic turn of events, a British businessman and former UK honorary consul, Colin Armstrong, 78, has been rescued by Ecuadorian police four days after being kidnapped. The abduction occurred in the early hours of Saturday when Armstrong and his Colombian partner, Katherine Paola Santos, were taken from their home in the town of Baba. The police report, reviewed by The Guardian, revealed that Armstrong was driven away in his own black BMW, which was later found abandoned.
General César Zapata, commander general of Ecuador’s national police, confirmed Armstrong’s release on Wednesday, stating that he is currently safe and in good health. A photograph released by the police showed Armstrong flanked by officers. The operation resulted in the arrest of nine individuals connected to the kidnapping, demonstrating a swift and successful response from the Ecuadorian authorities.
Colin Armstrong, a prominent figure in both business and diplomatic circles, served as the UK honorary consul in the port city of Guayaquil. He held this volunteer position until 2016, playing a crucial role in providing consular assistance. Additionally, Armstrong is the founder and owner of Agripac, a significant agricultural products company in Ecuador. Notably, he owns the expansive 500-acre Tupgill Park estate in North Yorkshire and was honored with an OBE and CMG in 2011.
British Ambassador Chris Campbell expressed relief at Armstrong’s safe release, stating, “We are delighted that Colin Armstrong OBE, our former honorary consul in Guayaquil, has been safely released.” Ecuador’s interior minister, Monica Palencia, affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice, emphasizing that police actions will continue to prevent impunity in such cases.
Police revealed that Armstrong was rescued on the road to Manabi, a coastal province in Ecuador. A video circulated on social media over the weekend, purportedly showcasing the house where Armstrong was kidnapped. The footage displayed blood-stained sheets on a bed and rooms that had been ransacked, providing a glimpse into the unsettling circumstances surrounding the abduction.
Guayaquil, Ecuador’s most populous city, has witnessed an increase in criminal violence, as noted by the International Crisis Group in 2022. While Ecuador has historically been considered safer than many neighboring countries, a surge in violence has been linked to the drug trade and exacerbated by widespread economic challenges in Latin America. President Daniel Noboa, who assumed office in late November, has vowed to combat drug gangs and organized crime, particularly in Guayaquil, a key hub for cocaine exports to the US, Europe, and Asia.
Colin Armstrong’s rescue brings a sense of relief after a harrowing incident that highlighted the challenges posed by criminal violence in Ecuador. The swift response from law enforcement and the successful operation underscore the commitment of Ecuadorian authorities to address security concerns and prevent impunity. As the country grapples with the complex interplay of drug-related crime and economic difficulties, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and foreign nationals alike.
