Growing in numbers and power, criminal gangs terrorize Haiti

Cases of kidnappings have more than doubled over the past year as gangs have grown increasingly numerous and powerful in Haiti.

Last week's kidnapping in broad daylight of 17 US and Canadian missionaries and their families in the Haitian capital highlighted criminal gangs' growing hold on the country, fueled by a deep political crisis and the powerlessness of the judicial system.

Cases of kidnappings have more than doubled over the past year as gangs have grown increasingly numerous and powerful, leaving an already weak police force unable to cope.