Jaguar Park Scandal: Theft and Corruption Exposed

TULUM — What was once announced as a strategic project for conservation and economic development in Tulum now faces serious allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and irregular practices. Jaguar Park, under military administration, has accumulated complaints ranging from internal theft to nepotism and improper charges, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty among local citizens and business owners.

One of the most serious accusations is the theft of 200,000 pesos from inside the administrative offices, in which, according to sources, staff from the park itself are implicated. The allegations, based on testimonies from workers who requested anonymity, point to employees identified as Raquel, Christian, and Monse. To date, no clear sanctions or accountability processes have been initiated. Worse yet, external workers were initially blamed in an attempt to cover up the incident.

Another documented case involves the manipulation of U.S. dollar acceptance at a rate of 15 pesos per dollar, a figure far below the real exchange rate. The money, instead of being deposited into official cash registers, was allegedly exchanged by the staff themselves at pawn shops at a higher rate, illicitly keeping the profits.

The complaints also extend to the interior of the administration with cases of nepotism, where relatives of officials have been hired without meeting the necessary requirements or having experience in the area, yet still enjoying labor and economic benefits. One of those implicated is an engineer named Raquel “N,” who allegedly incorporated several relatives into the staff.

Parallel to these allegations, it is reported that instructions from the administrative area have been to disregard established agreements with the Tulum City Council, despite previously held meetings and formally signed agreements. This stance has generated friction with local authorities and merchants who had trusted the project to boost the region's economy.

Added to this are reports of staff appearing intoxicated, accidents with official vehicles, improper charges to Mexican and foreign visitors, and a long list of incidents that evidence disorder and a lack of control in the park's operation.

Jaguar Park, conceived as a bet for prosperity and conservation, now faces growing discredit. For merchants and citizens, the militarization of the area has not brought the promised benefits, but rather a scheme that has deepened distrust and weakened Tulum's economic development. The absence of clear sanctions and the opacity in management fuel the perception that the project has become a space for corruption and privileges, rather than an engine of development for Tulum's society.