12 Women Freed from Cancún Trafficking Ring in Bar Raid

Cancún, Mexico — Twelve Mexican women, allegedly victims of human trafficking for forced prostitution, were rescued by agents of the Quintana Roo State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) during a court-ordered raid on a bar in this municipality.

Operation Details

The operation was conducted at an establishment in Supermanzana 228 by the FGE’s Specialized Unit Against Human Trafficking. Investigators carried out field and desk research, which revealed that women at the location were being coerced into providing sexual services.

Following these findings, the FGE secured a search warrant from a control judge, executed by the Criminal Investigation Police. The raid resulted in the liberation of the 12 women.

Exploitation Scheme

Preliminary investigations indicate that the bar’s owners exploited the women’s economic vulnerability, as most were single mothers with limited education.

The establishment’s modus operandi involved hiring the victims as hostesses and waitresses, requiring them to sell drinks at 350 pesos each, with half the proceeds retained by the bar. Once gaining a client’s trust, the women were instructed to offer sexual services for 1,500 pesos plus a bottle purchase, of which they received only 500 pesos.

Aftermath

Authorities sealed the premises with official notices following the operation. The rescued women were transported to FGE facilities for further legal and protective procedures.

The case underscores ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in Quintana Roo, a region previously flagged for similar crimes. Earlier this year, two Colombian women were rescued from a trafficking network in Playa del Carmen.