Crime is so common that business owners hire armed guards to stand outside their small shops and restaurants, and to ride along with delivery trucks. As the driver moves cases of bottles at each stop on his route, the guards take up their watch as though guarding a Brink's truck. Kidnappings for profit are averaging an astounding 180-200 people per month. Ransoms are readily paid for the safe return of loved ones. Car-napping is also in vogue.
Armed bands steal an expensive car, then offer to return it to the owner for a cash payment.
The United States Congress has committed its taxpayers to Guatemala's transition to a peaceful, democratic country. Officially, U.S. foreign aid is intended to help provide a stable, free-market economy, to create a good trading partner and promote business investment opportunities for U.S. companies. Those sources spoke off the record, fearing career-related reprisals. Guerrilla forces have been demobilized, which includes turning in all weapons. He says in the time since the signing of the peace accord, there have been no armed encounters between guerrilla forces and the military.