New York, Dec 08: A terrorism task force has uncovered a plot by Colombian leftist rebels to abduct former New York city mayor Rudy Giuliani in Mexico City, the New York daily news has reported.
Sources told the daily that the kidnap plot by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) came to light last month as Giuliani prepared to travel to Mexico City.
A retired New York Police Department (NYPD) detective, who was on assignment in Mexico for Giuliani, got wind of the alleged plans, a law enforcement source told the daily news. Giuliani is still assigned a full NYPD bodyguard detail, including an advance team.
The joint terrorist task force, comprised of officials from the NYPD and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is treating the threat seriously, authorities said.
For his part, Giuliani seemed much less perturbed. When asked to comment on the kidnapping plot, Giuliani let out a long laugh.
"I never comment on security. I have a long, long practice, way back when I was assistant US attorney," Giuliani told the daily news.
Giuliani has been advising Mexico City's mayor and police department on fighting crime. He cancelled last month's trip, in part because of the threat and because his itinerary in Mexico City became public, the newspaper reported.
The FARC's possible motive in attempting to kidnap Giuliani is unclear. The rebel group, which the United States considers an international terrorist organisation, is responsible for hundreds of kidnappings and slayings in
Colombia.
Bureau Report
