Kidnapping
The offence of kidnapping is outlined in section 279(1) of the Criminal Code.
A person commits the offence of kidnapping when they intend to cause another person, against that person’s will, to be confined or imprisoned, to be transported out of Canada, or to be held for ransom or to service.
Examples
Person A locks person B in their basement for several hours against person B’s will as a prank. Person A is aware person B wants to be let out but refuses.
Person C puts person D into the trunk of a car against person D’s will and drives person D across the border to the United States
Person E keeps person F locked in their bedroom until person G pays person E a $250,000 ransom.
Cases
R. v. Gosk, 2016 ONSC 2185
In R. v. Gosk, the accused was charged with one count of kidnapping when he and six friends abducted the victim from the victim’s workplace and handcuffed him to a pole in the basement of a house where he was held for a million-dollar ransom.
R. v. Ramdeo, 2021 ONSC 1784
In R. v. Ramdeo, the accused was convicted on one count of kidnapping when he bound and forced the victim into his car, threatening to kill the victim if he left the car, in an attempt to get information on a friend of the victim who owed the accused money.
R. v. Gunalingam, 2014 ONSC 7347
In R. v. Gunalingam, the three accused were charged with kidnapping when they forced entry into the victim’s home and confined her to her basement before transporting her to another home where she was tied to a bed and sexually assaulted for two days.
Offence Specific Defence(s)
No Intention
Where the person does not intend to hold the other captive, they may not have completed the offence of kidnapping. For example, if person A steals a car and drives it across the border into the United States unaware that person B is hiding in the backseat, person A has not completed the offence of kidnapping. They have, however, committed a theft offence.
Consent
Where the person is willingly being confined somewhere or transported out of Canada, the person confining or transporting them may not have completed the offence of kidnapping.
More Legal Information
Law Newbie™ is a free legal assistant developed by our criminal lawyers to help you understand the law.
In criminal cases, there are very strict rules governing what evidence can be used and how it can be used.
The rights enjoyed of all those within Canada are contained in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Criminal procedure is the process by which an accused person is arrested and brought through the justice system.
Sentencing refers to the punishment that is ordered when an individual is found guilty of a criminal offence.
Offences in Canada are listed in the Criminal Code. They include crimes related to people, vehicles and weapons.