"What's happening in Paraguay is not out of step with what's happening in the rest of Latin America. It's spiraling everywhere," said Frank Holder, a New York-based consultant with security firm Kroll Inc.
Holder, who previously headed the firm's Latin American division, said kidnappings can prompt others to follow suit.
"Once someone is successful a couple of times at this, you have copycats and it tends to grow" if not fought aggressively, he cautioned.
Several government officials and at least one former president were taking no chances.
"I've got my own bodyguards and I'm avoiding standing out," said former President Juan Carlos Wasmosy, who served from 1993 to 1998.
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