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The harrowing 1973 abduction of John Paul Getty III has inspired numerous films and books.
- Kidnappers looking for a major payout will often target the heirs of wealthy individuals.
- Some famous abductions have ended in tragedy when the abductors killed their victim.
- In other cases, the kidnapped heir survived their ordeal.
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Being the heir to an extraordinary fortune comes with its own set of risks.
Namely, having a familial link to an uber-wealthy person could prompt an unscrupulous person to kidnap you for ransom.
Read more: 11 times kidnappers targeted millionaires and high-profile executives around the globe
The abduction of rich and prominent heirs often generates a considerable amount of media scrutiny. In some instances, the victim is returned relatively unscathed. Other cases throughout the years have resulted in more sinister and tragic outcomes.
Here's a look at a number of heirs to massive fortunes who were kidnapped - and one who vanished without a trace: