STRATEGIC PARTNERS
March 10, 2002
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- Brazilian banks will keep their ATMs closed overnight, in a effort to curb a new crime known as flash-kidnappings, according to a BBC report.
According to the BBC report, the abductions happen daily, with people seized as they use ATMs and then driven to other machines and forced to withdraw the maximum amount allowed from their accounts.
Brazilian banks had planned to restore full 24-hour service at ATMs, which was suspended last year because of a serious energy crisis. But the banking authorities said emergency measures were needed in light of the abductions, and the machines would remain closed from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m.
The decision to shut the machines has been criticized by the Brazilian Justice Minister Aloysio Nunes Ferreira, who says it will not help reduce crime.
