Lebanese-Mexican Man Held in $4M Cancún Real Estate Scam

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The Quintana Roo State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) has arrested Daniel “N,” also known as Julio “N,” a 21-year-old Lebanese national naturalized as a Mexican citizen, for allegedly orchestrating a fraudulent real estate transaction involving a property he did not own. The scheme reportedly caused financial damages exceeding 4 million pesos ($237,000 USD).

Fraudulent Sale of Unauthorized Property

According to authorities, on February 10, Daniel “N” falsified the sale of a property located in Supermanzana 332 in Cancún’s Benito Juárez municipality. The victim, whose identity remains confidential, stated that the suspect convinced them to purchase the property by signing a private sales contract at a notary public office for 1.6 million pesos ($95,000 USD).

After the payment was made, Daniel “N” provided the buyer with a key and directed them to a second notary to finalize the transaction. However, when the victim attempted to access the property, the alleged seller failed to appear or respond to calls, prompting the buyer to file a formal complaint with the FGE.

Investigation Reveals Identity Theft

During the investigation, authorities discovered that Daniel “N” had impersonated Julio “N,” posing as a real estate agent and presenting another individual as the supposed property owner. A review of the Public Property Registry confirmed that the actual owner neither resided in the area nor intended to sell the property and had previously filed a complaint regarding identity theft.

Following the issuance of an arrest warrant, FGE agents apprehended Daniel “N,” who now faces charges of fraud and use of falsified documents. Prosecutors revealed that the suspect is linked to three additional investigations involving similar schemes, with total estimated damages surpassing 4.37 million pesos ($259,000 USD).

Authorities Urge Vigilance in Real Estate Transactions

The FGE has advised the public to verify the authenticity of documents and the identities of individuals involved in real estate transactions, encouraging victims of fraud to report irregularities promptly.

The case underscores growing concerns over property-related scams in Quintana Roo, a region experiencing rapid real estate development driven by tourism and foreign investment.