Caption: Screengrab from video circulating of Derek “Stones” Tardieu, 70, and his wife Claribel, 47

By Alicia Chamely

KIDNAP victim Clarabelle Tardieu is confirmed to have been freed by her captors after being held for 33 days.

Tardieu, 47, was confirmed to have been released along the North Coast of Trinidad early Thursday morning.

Reports indicate a ransom was paid by her family, but no amount was stated.

AZP News reached out to Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro to get confirmation of Tardieu’s safe release.

In a WhatsApp message, Guevarro stated, “I can confirm that kidnap victim Clarabel Tardieu was safely released by her captors. She is currently undergoing medical evaluation before being reunited with her family.”

“The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service continues its investigation into this matter, and additional details will be provided as they become available, once it is operationally appropriate to do so,” he added.

Tardieu and her husband Derrick, 70, a Chaguaramas boatyard owner, were taken from their Monos island home on December 6.

They were reported missing that day by Tardieu’s son, who stated he went to check on father after not being able to contact him, only to find him missing and his home ransacked.

A ransom of US $2.5 million was initially requested for the couple’s return, and then subsequently reduced to TT$100,000.

On December 16, ten days after being taken, Derrick Tardieu was released by his captors along the North Coast.

A release from Tardieu’s lawyer confirmed his freedom and stated he was receiving medical treatment. No mention of Clarabel was made.

It was confirmed by relatives that close to TT$200,000 was paid for his release.

There had been no updates on Clarabel, until her release Thursday morning.