16 Women Rescued from Cancún Trafficking Ring

Cancún, Mexico — Mexican authorities have rescued 16 women who were victims of human trafficking in Cancún, following a coordinated operation between federal and state law enforcement agencies. The operation targeted a criminal network allegedly exploiting women through forced labor and sexual exploitation in the city’s hotel zone.

Victims Subjected to Coercion and Abuse

The rescued women, ranging in age from 18 to 35, were reportedly lured to Cancún under false promises of employment in the tourism and hospitality sector. Instead, they were forced into exploitative conditions, with their identification documents confiscated to prevent escape.

According to the Quintana Roo State Attorney General’s Office (FGE), the victims endured physical and psychological abuse, with some held in confinement. Investigators confirmed that the criminal group used threats and violence to control them.

Multi-Agency Operation Leads to Arrests

The operation involved personnel from the National Guard, the Quintana Roo Prosecutor’s Office, and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC). Authorities arrested five suspects, including the alleged ringleader, on charges of human trafficking and organized crime.

“This criminal network preyed on vulnerable individuals, deceiving them with fraudulent job offers,” said Óscar Montes de Oca, Quintana Roo’s Attorney General. “We are committed to dismantling these operations and ensuring justice for the victims.”

Victims Receiving Support Services

The rescued women have been placed under the care of the National Institute of Migration (INM) and local social services. They are receiving medical attention, psychological counseling, and legal assistance while authorities work to reunite them with their families.

Human rights organizations have long raised concerns about trafficking in Cancún, a major tourist destination where criminal groups often exploit migrants and job seekers. Officials urge the public to verify employment offers through official channels and report suspicious activity to authorities.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities examining potential links to broader trafficking networks operating in the region.