Kidnappers Demand US$2.5M for Monos Island Couple; Family Negotiating Lower

A desperate hostage video featuring the trembling voice of a kidnapped woman pleading for help has intensified fears for a Monos Island couple abducted from their home on Saturday night.

In the short clip—sent directly to relatives—Claribel Tardieu, held at gunpoint, cries out repeatedly: “Robert, please we need you… my life… Robert, Robert!” Robert is the brother of 61-year-old businessman Derek Tardieu, who was taken along with his wife during the violent home invasion off Trinidad’s northwest coast.

According to police sources, the kidnappers have demanded US$2.5 million (approximately TT$16.7 million) for the couple’s safe release.

However, the Express understands that investigators are working closely with the family, who have begun negotiations aimed at reducing the ransom to around TT$400,000.

Detectives believe the operation was well-planned and are pursuing a theory that the abductors are Spanish-speaking individuals linked to the Venezuelan criminal underworld—groups known to be active in maritime corridors between Trinidad and the South American mainland.

Specialist units within the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, continue to probe the case while advising the family on communication with the captors.

No further updates were provided up to press time.