Couple Abducted From Monos Island Home, US $2.5M Ransom Demanded
UPDATE (08/01/26): Clarabelle Tardieu has been released by her kidnappers after more than a month in captivity, following her abduction from Monos Island. She was picked up early this morning (Thursday 8th January, 2026) along the North Coast of Trinidad and later taken to the Northern Division. She was subsequently transported to receive medical treatment and then reunited with relatives shortly after.
Senior Police Officials have confirmed that a ransom was paid for Clarabelle’s release but declined further comment. Clarabelle and her husband, Derrick Tardieu, were kidnapped by armed men from their Monos Island home on 6th December, 2025. Her husband was released on 17th December, 2025, after a ransom was allegedly paid.
UPDATE (07/01/26): Clarabelle Tardieu remains missing as of today (Wednesday 7th January, 2026). There have been no major breakthroughs since Tardieu’s release in mid-December, although multiple investigative units remain actively involved in the case. Efforts to locate her include analysis of cellphone activity, interception of communications and aerial surveillance.
UPDATE (18/12/25): Derek Tardieu was released yesterday (Wednesday 17th December, 2025) by his captors, who reportedly dropped him off along Trinidad’s North Coast. His wife, Clarabelle, however, is still in captivity. Kidnappers are said to have received TT $150,000 and US $5,000 as part of the ransom payment.
UPDATE (12/12/25): Relatives of Derek Tardieu and his wife, Clarabelle Tardieu, have received proof of life within the last forty-eight (48) hours, according to Senior Police sources. Investigators said negotiations remain ongoing with the kidnappers, who are demanding a ransom of US $2.5 million. The couple has now been missing for six (6) days after being abducted from their home on Saturday 6th December, 2025.
UPDATE (10/12/25): The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) confirmed on Tuesday (9th December, 2025) that a report of kidnapping was made at the Carenage Police Station on Sunday (7th December, 2025). “The matter is currently under active investigation and remains at a highly sensitive stage. As such, details are limited at this time in the interest of operational integrity and, most importantly, the safety of the victim(s) involved.”
The TTPS said it “wishes to assure the public that all necessary investigative resources have been mobilized and that this matter is being treated with the utmost priority. As soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so, updated information will be provided. In the interim, the TTPS is appealing to all media practitioners and members of the public to exercise responsibility and restraint in reporting, as speculative or premature disclosures may place the lives and safety of the victim(s) at serious risk.”
Anyone with information that can assist the Police in this investigation is asked to call the Carenage Police Station at 637-3123 or 800-TIPS or contact the Police at 555, 999, 911, or call any Police Station.
UPDATE (09/12/25): The Hunters Search and Rescue Team (HSRT), led by Captain Vallence Rambharat, is appealing to the public, especially the fisherfolk and marine craft operators in the Chaguaramas Peninsula, to please come forward if you have information which could assist investigators in locating Derek and Clarabelle Tardieu. You can provide information anonymously to 800-TIPS, 999, 555 or to the HSRT team at 799-1453. Please share quickly. Let us get Derek and Clarabelle home today.
According to reports, a voice note was received by relatives from an overseas number, around 9:44 PM on Saturday night, in which Derek stated that he had been taken and that kidnappers were demanding US $2.5 million for his release. “They have meh and want US $2.5 million for meh release.”
Subsequent checks by the couple’s son, Phillip Tardieu, revealed that both Derek and Clarabelle could not be located, and their residence in Blanchette Bay was found ransacked. Repeated calls to Derek’s cellphone went unanswered.
A disturbing video has since surfaced showing Derek standing next to his wife, pleading for the ransom to be paid. In the footage, a firearm and a grenade are visibly pointed at the couple, significantly heightening fears for their lives.
Derek reportedly suffers from heart complications and a brain tumour, and requires constant, life-sustaining medication.
Police have activated specialised units and launched an urgent investigation as efforts continue to locate and rescue the couple.
Anyone with information that may assist Police is urged to come forward immediately.
Investigations are continuing.
More on this as it becomes available.
This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
[Source: Ian Alleyne]
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