A survey by Mexico's National Human Rights Commission shows that thousands of mainly Central American migrants crossing the country to reach the United States are kidnapped for ransom every year.

The commission says an estimated 9,758 migrants were kidnapped in Mexico between September and February, mainly by drug gangs but some migrants reported that authorities were involved.

The survey presented yesterday said the victims were released in exchange for ransoms ranging from US$1,500 to US$5,000.

Based on the number of cases, the report estimated that total ransom payments would amount to about US$25 million over that six months.

The commission surveyed migrants at shelters and detention centres.