11.   Kidnappings have become more and more frequent.

12.   Kidnappings have become one of the most lucrative businesses in Chechnya.

13.   Kidnappings have become common in Brazil, terrorizing people nationwide.

14.   Soon after the kidnapping became known court officials were seen preparing trucks mounted with weapons and militiamen to attempt a rescue.

15.   Kidnappings have become a major embarassment for Ramos, a former national police chief.

16.   The kidnappings have become an embarassment to the government of President Fidel Ramos, which has failed to stop them despite large-scale deployment of troops to the area.