Federal Seizure of Playacar ‘Macondo’ Project Exposes Duarte-Linked Developers

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Federal prosecutors have seized the Macondo residential complex in Playacar Fase 2, a move that has exposed a group of businessmen linked to former Veracruz governor Javier Duarte de Ochoa who have launched high-end real estate projects across northern Quintana Roo while sidestepping environmental law.

The seizure was ordered by the Federal Prosecutor’s Office (FGR). Those behind the project are brothers Eduardo and Leonel Gómez Maitret and César Fernández del Campo Rabatte, who incorporated the firm Inmobiliaria Nueva Anáhuac more than a decade ago in Xalapa, Veracruz.

Through that company the three have rolled out a string of developments, all marketed under the “Macondo” brand, which uses the literary reference to attract buyers paying millions of pesos per unit.

The Macondo-branded projects include Macondo Quinta Avenida Residences, built behind the Chenzubul property near Playa del Carmen’s tourist zone; Macondo Tulum; Macondo Raíz; Macondo Estilo Holbox and Macondo Holbox, both in Holbox; and Óom Bubble Boutique in Puerto Morelos.

Reviews of the National Transparency Platform carried out by Sol Quintana Roo found that none of the properties hold federal environmental impact permits, which the Environment and Natural Resources Department (Semarnat) issues for construction in coastal ecosystems. According to Semarnat’s own search system, no such authorizations exist.

Under the General Law on Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection, building without permits in a coastal ecosystem is sanctionable. The businessmen have so far avoided federal penalties through legal maneuvers, the review found.

Ties to the Duarte administration

All three began their careers in public service during Duarte’s tenure as Veracruz governor from 2010 to 2016, a period that ended with the former governor facing charges including money laundering and criminal association.

Transparency records show that José Eduardo Gómez Maitret served as director of planning and programming at the Universidad Popular Autónoma de Veracruz (UPAV), where he awarded contracts to private parties.

César Fernández del Campo Rabatte headed the internal control office at the Colegio de Bachilleres del Estado de Veracruz (Cobaev). According to his LinkedIn profile, Leonel served as coordinator of public works auditing at the Veracruz state comptroller’s office.

Veracruz media have previously reported on the trio’s closeness to the former governor and on allegations of unlawful conduct. After leaving public office they moved to Quintana Roo.

Licenses granted without federal approval

The firm’s arrival in Playa del Carmen dates to the administration of former mayor Laura Beristáin Navarrete, more than five years ago, and consolidated during the term of Lili Campos Miranda, according to the report.

Campos approved construction and urban development licenses even though no federal authorization was in place, the article states. The matter is documented in file MSOL/SOT/DDUYF/2725/2023, issued during the previous three-year term in Playa del Carmen, which was later classified as reserved on grounds that it contained sensitive information.

The newest Macondo development in Playacar Fase 2 involved clearing jungle across just over one hectare at the southern end of the condominium master plan.

The Playa del Carmen municipal government shut the site down in the first half of 2026, followed by the Sustainable Urban Territorial Development Department (Sedetus), acting in part on an injunction request filed by environmental groups.

On Oct. 9, the FGR halted the project. If the environmental offenses are fully established, the business group could face criminal liability.