More than 150 Copts were kidnapped for ransom last year nine of which were killed, according to the Maspero Youth Foundation for Development and Human Rights. The Diocese of Minya stated that the number of Copts kidnapped in Minya alone reached 100 Copts, due to the inaction of the police. Abram Louis, the founder of the Association of Victims of Abduction and Forced Disappearance, stated that more than 500 Copts have been kidnapped nationwide since January 2011. Major General Farūq Hamdān, Security expert and former Director of Minya Security Department, stated that many of them are due to disputes among families and individuals, mostly for financial reasons (Author not mentioned, Copts United, July 13).