ransom

Jihadist groups sustain their operations in the Sahel with a range of illicit economic activities, including kidnap for ransom and cattle rustling, according to the GTI report.

"However, our parents have consistently expressed their commitment to Afghanistan, stating that they would rather sacrifice their lives than become part of ransom negotiations or be traded."

Hackers have published the personal information of 30 of Schwartz’s patients to date, the lawsuit alleges, and are threatening to continue doing so until they receive a ransom.

Some are willing to do the work, but others are forced to stay, with release only possible if their families pay large ransoms.

Many of these gangs also engage in kidnapping for ransom.