Ex-Official Accused of Playa del Carmen Land Scam

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — A new illegal settlement, identified as "Gloria Escondida," is being established in the city, allegedly promoted by José Gómez Burgos, the former director of Civil Protection and current leader of the fishing cooperatives "De Mar Caribe" and "Xaman-Ha."

According to anonymous complaints, Gómez Burgos has been accused of selling plots of land located between Avenida Juárez and Paseo del Mayab for 15,000 pesos each. He is alleged to have promised future regularization of the land by the state government, a claim that authorities have repeatedly denied.

In previous interviews, the Secretary of Government, Cristina Torres, warned that this is a fraudulent action. The invaded land is property of the Playa del Carmen Ejido and is designated for roadways in the Urban Development Plan, meaning it cannot be regularized or receive public services.

Complainants state that the former official is allegedly taking advantage of the need for housing, deceiving fishermen and citizens. This has resulted in clashes with police officers guarding the area.

In addition to fraud, he is accused of causing property damage, environmental violations, and inciting the illegal occupation of land. These events are already being investigated in accordance with the Quintana Roo Penal Code.