Corruption Scandal Halts Monarca 28 Project in Playa del Carmen

The Monarca 28 construction project in Playa del Carmen has been put on hold by the Urban Development department of Solidaridad. This decision came after the discovery of numerous irregularities in the project's construction license processing. These irregularities included cash payments made to secure permit approvals. The project's owner has accused the Director Responsible for Work (DRO), Raúl Negrete Cetina, and the former director of Urban Development, Gabriel Eduardo Ronquillo Buendía, of corruption.

Raúl Negrete Cetina, a member of the College of Engineers and Architects of Riviera Maya, along with Gabriel Ronquillo, allegedly demanded nearly one million pesos in exchange for approving the construction license. This reportedly took place in the final weeks of the 2021-2024 municipal administration. The project owner claims to have handed over the money in cash during a meeting at Plaza Las Américas and has video evidence to back up his allegations.

The new municipal administration has initiated a comprehensive review of all documents associated with the Monarca 28 project. This review has uncovered irregularities that appear to be a legacy of the previous administration. The project owner is calling for justice and decisive action against those involved in the alleged corruption.

This case has implications beyond the halted construction project. It raises serious questions about the integrity of Urban Development processes in Solidaridad and the transparency of licenses issued by past administrations. The investigation is ongoing, and the project remains suspended, leaving its workers in a state of job insecurity.