The other day a guest writer contributed an article about Nicaragua to this blog.  In it he summarized up the reasons for not retiring or living there. Below you will find more negative news about the country.

Crime is on the upswing in neighboring Nicaragua, according to the U.S. State Department which paints a grim picture of the country in a report released Monday.

The State Department warned that “gang violence, drive-by shootings, robbery, assault and stabbings are most frequently encountered in poorer neighborhoods, including the Ticabus area, a major arrival and departure point for tourist buses.  However, in recent months it spread to more upscale neighborhoods and near major hotels, including the Zona Hippos.” Although visitors are advised to take taxis instead of walk, the State Department said that robbery, kidnapping, and assault on passengers in taxis in Managua are increasing in frequency and violence, with passengers subjected to beating, sexual assault, stabbings, and even murder.

The State Department also said that in 2008 a U.S. citizen was injured critically in a gang drive-by shooting in the San Judas areas and that another U.S. citizen was kidnapped and left for dead.

“Violent criminal activities and petty crime are also increasing in the tourist destination of San Juan del Sur.” said the report.  “In 2008, a U.S. citizen family was violently assaulted and kidnapped by several armed men.  Other American citizens have been the victims of armed robberies by assailants wielding machetes, knives, and/or guns along the beaches in and around San Juan del Sur.

The State Department also warned that U.S. citizens  “are increasingly targeted shortly after arriving in the country by criminals posing as Nicaraguan police officers who pull their vehicles — including those operated by reputable hotels — over for inspection.  In each case, the incidents happened after dark and involved gun-wielding assailants who robbed passengers of all valuables and drove them to remote locations where they were left to fend for themselves.

“U.S. citizens should exercise caution when approached by strangers offering assistance,” said the report.  “Several U.S. citizens traveling by bus from San Juan del Sur to Managua have reported being victimized by fellow women travelers who offered to assist them in locating and/or sharing a taxi upon arrival in Managua.  In all cases, upon entering the taxi, the U.S. citizens have been held at knife point, robbed of their valuables and driven around to ATM machines to withdraw funds from their accounts.”

The U.S. Embassy reported it has received an increasing number of complaints from U.S. citizens who have been stopped by transit police authorities demanding bribes in order to avoid paying fines.  Motorists in rental cars and those whose cars have foreign license plates are more likely to be stopped by transit police, said the report, adding that transit police have seized driver licenses and car registration documents from motorists who refuse to or are unable to pay.