Five Arrested in Playa del Carmen Extortion and Murder Case

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Authorities have arrested five people in connection with a series of homicides and extortion schemes in the Las Torres and Bali areas of Playa del Carmen, bringing the total number of detainees linked to at least six killings in the zone to 14 over the past week.

State Attorney General Raciel López Salazar announced the arrests during Monday’s Security Cabinet press conference. Those detained include José María, alias “Pirata,” 22; Maximiliano, 20; and Geiler, 20, all accused of a double homicide in the Las Torres settlement.

According to the prosecutor, the three suspects met with other hitmen at the entrance of Las Torres on orders from their boss, Gabriel Alberto, who instructed them to kill individuals who collected electricity fees from residents. The victims had allegedly failed to pay “piso” (protection money) or join the organization.

The assailants traveled through the area on three motorcycles, located two of the collectors, and shot them — one with a long gun and the other with a 9mm pistol — before fleeing.

Separately, two other suspects were arrested last week in the Ejido neighborhood and the Santa Fe housing development. They were identified as Cristian Gustavo, alias “Botas,” 19, and Saúl, alias “El Cuchara,” 36. Police seized drugs, long guns, bulletproof vests, and a Ram pickup truck from them.

These two are linked to the double homicide in Las Torres on July 9, the attempted murder of Carlos Alberto, and another double homicide on July 7. Saúl is also connected to the execution of a man and a woman, identified as Pedro and María, on May 28.