New York-Based Model and Family Abducted at Gunpoint, Held for Ransom

In a shocking incident, a New York-based model, her photographer husband, and their child were abducted at gunpoint in Brazil. The family was held captive for 12 hours in a makeshift shack after being ambushed by armed men in Sao Paulo’s upscale Alto do Lapa neighborhood. The incident occurred on Wednesday night as the family was leaving a local restaurant.

The victims, identified as 47-year-old Brazilian-born model Luciana Curtis, her husband Henrique Gendre, and their 11-year-old child, were forced into their own vehicle and driven to a wooden shack in Brasilandia. The shack, as revealed by images obtained by Brazilian media, was sparsely furnished with only a mattress, toilet, and sink.

According to a police statement, the armed criminals approached the victims outside the restaurant and took them captive. The assailants then transferred money from the couple’s bank accounts. The family was eventually released early Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, the couple’s eldest child, who had not accompanied them to dinner, raised an alarm when the family did not return home. This prompted a search by specialist police teams. The police statement further noted that the criminals abandoned the family and fled during the search operation.

After their release, the family had to seek help from locals. A spokesperson for the model confirmed to local outlets that the family was safe and well after the ordeal.

Curtis, a Sao Paulo native, is the daughter of British businessman Malcolm Leo Curtis. She currently resides in New York but frequently travels between Sao Paulo and London. Curtis, who won the Brazilian final of Supermodel of the World in 1993, has appeared on the covers of Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan magazines. She has also modeled for renowned brands such as Harrods, H&M, and Victoria’s Secret.