David was kidnapped in Tripoli, Libya, through a trafficking system commonly known among migrants as “Tranke” or operated by groups often referred to as “Ashma Boys.” These groups are involved in organized abductions, detention, and ransom of migrants.

At the time of the kidnapping, David was in a taxi on his way to send money to his family back home. During the trip, the taxi was intercepted and hijacked. Armed men stopped the vehicle and took control of the situation. David had no opportunity to escape.

He was taken to a house where many other migrants were already being held captive. Some had been there for weeks or months before his arrival. This location marked the beginning of severe abuse and constant fear. From that point onward, David lived under continuous threat. Sleep was impossible, and violence was routine.

The building where they were first held was located deep inside the Sahara Desert. It was completely isolated. There was no access to help, no communication with the outside world, and no realistic chance of rescue. Survival depended entirely on whether ransom money could be paid. David’s life became a matter of chance.

After some time, the captives were transferred from this first location to another detention house. This second building was also used to hold migrants until their families paid the demanded ransom. During the transfer, they were loaded into a Toyota Hilux pickup truck. The captives were tightly packed and covered with a tarpaulin to prevent noise and visibility. No one spoke during the journey. Silence was enforced, and fear controlled every movement.