Joao Jose Vasconcelos Jr. is a 50-year-old engineer. He was seized on the way to the Baghdad airport. A video showing his identification was released on January 22, and his driver's license was sent to the Brazilian embassy. A Briton and a Brazilian described as working for a U.S. firm was killed during the kidnapping.

The day after the abduction, Mr. Vasconcelos' employer announced that the firm was pulling out of Iraq. The Brazilian government, which refused to join the U.S. in the invasion and occupation of Iraq and has vocally criticized the war, announced that it was open to negotiating with Mr. Vasconcelos. However, there has been no contact, no followup to the January 22 video, and no proof of life has been offered.

Mr. Vasconcelos is married with 3 children.

On April 15, Red Globo TV reported that Mr. Vasconcelos had been killed, and his body was being offered in exchange for US$400,000. The report was based on information from an anonymous British source.