17.3 Kidnapping—Foreign Official or Official Guest (18 U.S.C. § 1201(a)(4))

           The defendant is charged in [Count _______ of] the indictment with kidnapping [a foreign official] [an internationally protected person] [an official guest] in violation of Section 1201(a)(4) of Title 18 of the United States Code.  For the defendant to be found guilty of that charge, the government must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:  

            First, the defendant [[seized] [confined] [inveigled] [decoyed] [kidnapped] [abducted] [carried away]] [name of kidnapped person];  

            Second, [name of kidnapped person] was [specify status]; and  

            Third, the defendant [[held] [detained]] [name of kidnapped person] against [his][her] will.  

            [The government is not required to prove that the defendant kidnapped [name of kidnapped person] for reward or ransom, or for any other purpose.]  

            [The fact that [name of kidnapped person] [may have] initially voluntarily accompanied the defendant does not necessarily [prevent the occurrence] [negate the existence] of a later kidnapping.]

To “kidnap” a person means to unlawfully hold, keep, detain, or confine the person against their will and without their consent. Involuntariness or coercion in connection with the victim’s detention is an essential part of the offense.

[To “inveigle” a person means to lure, entice or lead the person astray by false representations, promises, or other deceitful means.]

Comment  

            See Comment to Instruction 17.1 (Kidnapping—Interstate Transportation).   

            “Foreign official,” “internationally protected person,” and “official guest” are defined in 18 U.S.C. § 1116(b).  

See Comment to Instruction 17.2 (Kidnapping—Within Special Maritime and Territorial Jurisdiction of United States) concerning the need for an instruction distinguishing kidnapping from other offenses involving seizure, confinement, detention, or asportation.   

Revised June 2026