Law Firms: Quintana Roo’s Real Estate Fraud Crisis

QUINTANA ROO, Mexico — Real estate fraud now accounts for nearly 30 percent of the cases handled by law firms in the state, establishing it as one of the principal problems in Quintana Roo, according to legal experts.

Mario González Pliego Gutiérrez, a litigator specializing in corporate and commercial law, explained that the most common fraud cases involve identity theft, the falsification of official documents, and the use of forged signatures. He further stated that identity theft in the sale of properties, along with fake documents and signatures, are the most prevalent practices.

These fraudulent activities force victims to seek recourse in civil courts to nullify simulated sales contracts and recover their properties, he said.

The legal expert, who is also a member of the Barra de Abogados and a partner of the Coparmex business association, recommended that affected individuals file formal complaints with the State Attorney General's Office to ensure these criminal acts do not go unpunished.

Figures from the SESNSP

According to data from the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP), from January to July 2025, 156 investigation files were initiated in the state for fraud. These are in addition to 507 complaints for dispossession, 120 for other crimes against property, and 154 investigation files for forgery.

The magnitude of the problem was evidenced on September 15, when the agency reported the arrest of two individuals in Cancun for their alleged participation in a real estate fraud. The two suspects face 22 separate investigation files and are accused of causing an estimated patrimonial damage of 12 million pesos to multiple victims.

Widespread Property Fraud Detected

For its part, the Quintana Roo Agency for Strategic Projects (Agepro) reported in August that it has detected approximately 100 properties with fake or duplicate titles of ownership. Of these, ten are located in Tulum, with the remainder found in Benito Juárez, Puerto Morelos, Cozumel, and Othón P. Blanco.

On September 11, the Secretary of Sustainable Territorial and Urban Development (Sedetus), in coordination with the municipal government of Tulum, issued an alert concerning 26 real estate developments that are operating without the required permits or legal authorizations.