Southeast Mexico’s Hidden Landowners Exposed

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Working documents attributed to Mexico’s National Agrarian Registry (RAN) and reviewed by Diario Cambio 22 reveal that a small group of private individuals holds vast tracts of socially owned land across southeastern Mexico. The data, part of a broader national pattern, highlights the scale of land accumulation in states such as Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Campeche.

A Pattern of Land Concentration

According to the records, one of the most prominent cases involves Arturo Boix Castillo, who is registered as holding 150,292 hectares and owning a parcel in Quintana Roo. While the number of parcels may appear limited compared to other cases, the total land area is significant, particularly given its location in a region with high real estate, tourism, and logistical potential.

The report identifies 29 major landholders in the region, with Quintana Roo leading in affected areas. The state has seen 12,817 hectares transferred from 14 ejidos (communal lands) across seven municipalities. Yucatán follows with 11,785 hectares involving 38 agrarian communities in 12 municipalities, while Campeche records 641 hectares affected across three ejidos.

Strategic Locations Targeted

The municipalities most impacted by these transactions include Lázaro Cárdenas (Holbox, Chiquilá), Benito Juárez (Alfredo V. Bonfil), Puerto Morelos (Leona Vicario and municipal seat), Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen), Tulum, Bacalar, and Felipe Carrillo Puerto. These areas share strategic proximity to tourism developments, logistical projects, and infrastructure such as the Tren Maya.

Nationally, investigations by outlets like La Jornada have reported that just 36 individuals control over 39,000 hectares of ejido lands in economically and environmentally valuable zones. This aligns with the pattern observed in the southeast, where records indicate land accumulation is not isolated but part of a recurring scheme favoring private interests over communal ownership.

Legal and Social Implications

In Quintana Roo, beyond Boix Castillo’s holdings, dozens of transactions involve both farmland and urban lots, with some cases exceeding 5,000 units under a single owner. The documented land areas range from 82 hectares to over 4,500 hectares per individual, encompassing everything from single parcels to thousands of urban lots.

Diario Cambio 22 has previously reported on allegations of manipulation, intimidation, and extortion tactics linked to Boix and his associates, particularly in Leona Vicario. Sources claim these methods exploit legal loopholes and weak institutional oversight.

“These publicly denounced methods have created a climate of pressure that obstructs the defense of agrarian rights,” the report states.

Experts and social advocates argue that agrarian and state authorities must strengthen oversight and enforce stricter measures to protect rural communities, especially in high-value and environmentally sensitive areas.

Broader Context

The situation reflects a nationwide trend where communal lands shift to private use amid rising real estate demand, tourism investments, and infrastructure projects. While legal frameworks permit the sale of ejido parcels, experts warn that unchecked land concentration risks displacing original communities.

The case of Arturo Boix Castillo, given the scale of his holdings and their strategic location, underscores the need for stricter scrutiny of land acquisition and transfer mechanisms. Diario Cambio 22 will continue seeking official responses from agrarian authorities and Boix Castillo to verify the findings.

Future reports will examine additional cases of land concentration in the region and their social and environmental impacts.