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Turkish traveler and content creator Taha Yaman Kilinak was kidnapped and robbed while traveling in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Kilinak, who has been documenting his world tour on social media, said he did not realize the taxi he took from the airport was heading in a different direction.
Kilinak's nightmare began when he hailed a taxi at the airport, intending to head to his accommodation. Unbeknownst to him, the driver diverted from the usual route, taking him to a secluded area where he was ambushed by a group of individuals. In a harrowing account shared on his Instagram, Kilinak recounted,
“I was kidnapped by Ecuadorian cartels, and they took everything from me. I’ve never felt so helpless. When I got into the taxi to go to the airport, I didn’t notice that the driver was going in the wrong direction.”
Amidst the chaos, Kilinak attempted to contact the Turkish Consulate in Quito but faced challenges in reaching them. However, his distress signals did not go unnoticed. The Turkish Embassy in Quito promptly responded, establishing communication with him and providing vital assistance. They facilitated his safe return to the embassy, ensuring his well-being and initiating the necessary steps to address the situation.
After the traumatic event, Kilinak managed to leave Ecuador and is currently in Bogota, Colombia. He has assured his followers that his health is stable and that he is recovering from the ordeal. Despite the harrowing experience, Kilinak remains resolute in his passion for travel, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness when journeying through unfamiliar territories.
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