Dolphin Discovery Director Detained in Cancún Amid Ongoing Corporate Dispute

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Eduardo Albor Villanueva, director of Dolphin Discovery, was detained today by members of Mexico’s National Guard at the intersection of José López Portillo and Uxmal avenues in Cancún. As of publication, federal authorities have not publicly confirmed the charges behind the arrest, leaving key questions unanswered.

Preliminary reports indicate that Albor allegedly resisted during the intervention. However, no official statement has clarified whether the detention is linked to criminal allegations or to the company’s ongoing corporate conflict.

The arrest comes amid a high-profile international dispute over control of Dolphin Discovery. Shareholders claiming to represent 99 percent of the company’s capital — including John Olson, Mike Wood, Donna Brewer, and Stafford Burrowes — previously voted to remove Albor from management and appointed Steven Strom of Odinbrook Global Advisors as the new administrator.

At the same time, MS Leisure filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware as part of a financial restructuring process. U.S.-based partners have alleged management irregularities that they say resulted in debts exceeding $200 million.

Tensions escalated on April 11, 2025, when shareholders reportedly took control of corporate offices in Cancún with judicial backing, only to be removed hours later with the support of state security forces — a move that raised concerns about public authorities intervening in a private commercial dispute.

Thursday’s detention adds a new layer to the controversy. Without official confirmation of charges, it remains unclear whether the arrest is directly tied to the corporate struggle or to a separate investigation.

Authorities are expected to clarify Albor’s legal status in the coming hours. In the meantime, employees, investors, and the tourism sector are closely monitoring developments surrounding one of the region’s most visible marine park operators.