Hostage International primarily assists individuals affected by a kidnap or illegal detention outside their home country.
While working for Prisoners Abroad, Laurenzi became aware of the lack of provision for families of detainees and the absence of help for returnees.
In 2003, the two met for the first time and agreed to establish a new organization to support families of kidnap victims.
After putting together a shadow board of trustees and supporters, Hostage UK was officially launched in the Palace of Westminster in 2004.
[1] In operation since 2004,[2] Hostage International has dealt with some high-profile cases including those of David Haines[3] and Peter Moore.