Ex-Attorney’s Criminal Past and Ejido Land Grab Exposed

Leona Vicario, Quintana Roo — The first installment of this investigation revealed how attorney Arturo Boix Castillo, alias “El Pájaro,” has maintained control over the Leona Vicario Ejido for more than two years through a contract that, according to community members, has extended beyond its original purpose. This second part delves into his criminal record and Investigation File 1752/2012, which documents his arrest for extortion in Cancún and his nearly three-year incarceration in the CERESO prison before reemerging as a key figure in agrarian conflicts—now with greater operational freedom.

A History of Extortion and Incarceration

On June 26, 2012, Boix was arrested in Cancún alongside Franzt Johann Ancira Martínez, currently the Director General of SIRESOL in Benito Juárez, and Alan Giovanny Torreblanca. The charges stemmed from an extortion scheme targeting a local businessman, whom Boix and his associates allegedly pressured for money in exchange for halting purported legal actions.

Following his arrest, Boix was sent to the Cancún Social Reintegration Center (CERESO), where he served a sentence of approximately three years. Though the case received limited media attention, legal and law enforcement circles recognize it as a critical document for understanding his current trajectory.

The 2012 case revealed a level of planning and coordination that surpassed an improvised extortion attempt. The operation against the Cancún businessman displayed a structured, calculated scheme backed by operational contacts—factors that cannot be ignored when analyzing his influence in Leona Vicario today.

A Pattern of Tactical Expertise

The case exposed several stages demonstrating tactical proficiency:

• Target Identification: Boix and his group identified vulnerabilities in the businessman, using a seemingly legitimate pretext to initiate contact.
• Psychological Pressure: Threats were not direct or isolated but reinforced by a narrative of power (“ties to Los Zetas”) designed to intimidate without immediate physical violence.
• Controlled Logistics: The exchange was orchestrated at a strategic location (Plaza de las Américas) with precise instructions to minimize exposure and maximize control, showcasing an ability to operate in public spaces with apparent normalcy.
• Operational Coordination: The use of specific vehicles, predefined routes, and third-party involvement in transporting and receiving money indicated Boix’s capacity to execute complex, sustained network operations.

This same pattern—identifying weaknesses, exploiting fear or necessity, manipulating processes under a veneer of legality, and maintaining control with visible and invisible allies—resonates in Leona Vicario today. While direct threats have been replaced by a framework of “legal management,” the dynamics of pressure, prolonged processes, and institutional loopholes remain unchanged.

From Criminal Record to Ejido Control

The modus operandi detailed in the 2012 case file reveals a well-organized operation with extensive experience in extortion—a method now replicated in the Leona Vicario Ejido. The key difference is that, in 2012, Boix operated under a violent façade, posing as a hitman for Los Zetas and issuing direct threats backed by alleged criminal ties.

Today, as an attorney, his approach is more “white-collar,” yet it retains the same pressure tactics. He leverages government connections, police with histories of corruption, and contacts within the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) to solidify his position and maintain control.

Control Over 250 Hectares

In Leona Vicario, community members allege that Boix has seized control of approximately 250 hectares of communal land, assuming powers they claim were never formally approved in assembly. His strategy involves prolonging the litigation for which he was originally hired, ensuring a steady flow of resources. The monthly payment to his firm—120,000 pesos—has now exceeded 3 million pesos, with no substantial progress in the original lawsuit.

Concerns are heightened by Boix’s claims of having “contacts” within the FGE and municipal authorities, reinforcing perceptions of political protection.

The “Top Ten” Ejido Developments

Boix promotes a list of projects dubbed the “Top Ten” of ejido developments, which he uses to attract investors and justify his continued involvement. The inventory includes over 1,099 hectares, with an estimated regularization value exceeding 347 million pesos.

Within this portfolio, Boix lists himself as the owner of 150 hectares, projecting an image of “trustworthiness” to other developers. Key projects include:

• Imperio Maya – Abel Campos (191 hectares)
• Unnamed – Arturo Boix (150 hectares)
• Tuubul-Kiin, Kuxjal Saasil, Saasil-Park – Horacio Ledezma (137.5 hectares)
• Unnamed – Miguel Magaña (120 hectares)
• Fincas – Sebastián Labia (97 hectares)
• Kaax Baalam / La Granja – Alejandro Ayala (74 hectares)
• Unnamed – Raúl Fuentes Flores (70 hectares)

The payment structure is progressive:

• First payment: $3.00/m²
• Second payment: $4.90/m²
• Third payment: $31.60/m²

Boix’s 150 hectares could be valued at 47 million pesos, though no public evidence confirms completed regularization with the National Agrarian Registry.

A Critical Moment for the Ejido

The current ejido leadership, set to conclude its term in November, is barred from making substantive decisions during the transition period. This legal vacuum grants Boix additional leverage to secure agreements and consolidate his position before new administration takes office.

For many ejido members, Boix’s criminal past is not an isolated incident but a key to understanding the present. Investigation File 1752/2012, his history in Cancún, and current practices in the ejido reveal a repeated pattern—now with new victims and significantly larger sums at stake.

To Be Continued…

The opinions, allegations, and accusations presented here belong exclusively to the interviewees and provided documents. They do not constitute a judicial ruling or definitive statement on criminal or civil liability. This publication aims solely to inform the public on matters of social and agrarian interest.