The Kidnapping of John Paul Getty III

Name: The Kidnapping of John Paul Getty III
Start: 1952-12-15
Location: Unspecified

A Shocking Abduction

The Kidnapping of John Paul Getty III

In 1973, the world was shocked by the abduction of John Paul Getty III, grandson of the wealthy oil tycoon J. Paul Getty. At just 16 years old, he was kidnapped in Rome, Italy, by members of the ‘Ndrangheta, a powerful crime syndicate. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of $17 million, striking fear into the hearts of his family and the public alike.

The Reluctant Ransom

John Paul Getty’s grandfather, who was known for his frugality despite his immense wealth, initially hesitated to pay the ransom. This decision was fueled by fears that paying the ransom could lead to more kidnappings. Yet as the situation escalated, concerns for his grandson’s safety took precedence.

The Negotiation and Resolution

The Payment of the Ransom

After several months of intense negotiation and pressure, Getty’s grandfather finally agreed to pay $2.9 million to secure his grandson's release. Interestingly, he structured the payment meticulously; he requested a loan from one of his oil companies, knowing that the ransom would be tax-deductible.

The Release Day

On December 15, 1973, John Paul Getty III was released, having endured a harrowing captivity. His experience was traumatic, and he had suffered physical and mental anguish during his time in captivity. Upon his release, John Paul Getty III would go on to struggle with substance abuse issues for much of his later life, a reminder of the trauma he suffered during this life-altering incident.

Fun Fact

John Paul Getty III's Interesting Fact

Following his release, John Paul Getty III became an actor and filmmaker, even appearing in several films. He also became known for his attempts to reclaim control over his life, despite the lasting scars from his ordeal.