A British school director from Leicestershire narrowly escaped his kidnappers in Trinidad by leaping from the boot of a moving car after being held at gunpoint, authorities have confirmed.
Zaheer Esat, 46, who runs a private school for children with special educational needs, was visiting family in Trinidad when armed assailants ambushed him and his relatives outside a mosque.
The harrowing incident has sparked an international investigation, with local police arresting a 28-year-old suspect.
How the Kidnapping Unfolded
According to Trinidadian police reports, the ordeal began when a vehicle blocked Esat, his 70-year-old father, and his brother-in-law as they drove home from a mosque near the island’s west coast.
A gunman forced Esat into another car, leaving his family unharmed but terrified.
For two days, Esat’s whereabouts remained unknown—until a passerby discovered him disoriented near a cremation site, roughly six miles from the abduction scene.
Police later confirmed that Esat had escaped by jumping from the boot of his captors’ moving vehicle while being transported to an unknown location.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Assistant Commissioner Richard Smith of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service announced that a suspect had been taken into custody.
“We are treating this as a serious organized crime incident and are pursuing all leads,” Smith stated.
The UK Foreign Office confirmed it provided consular assistance: “We are supporting a British national reported missing in Trinidad and have maintained close contact with local authorities.”
Who Is Zaheer Esat?
Esat, who holds dual British and Trinidadian citizenship, is the director of the Lewis Charlton Group of Learning Centers, a Leicestershire-based private school specializing in emotional and special educational needs.
Reports indicate he was not carrying a phone at the time of the kidnapping, complicating early rescue efforts.
Safety Concerns in Trinidad
Trinidad has faced growing concerns over violent crime, including kidnappings for ransom. The incident has reignited debates over tourist and expatriate safety in the Caribbean. What’s Next?
Authorities are investigating whether the abduction was financially motivated or linked to broader criminal networks. Meanwhile, Esat is recovering from the traumatic event, with his school community expressing relief at his safe return.
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