Obra de Amor Group Denies Fraud Allegations Over Land Offers in Tulum

Tulum, Quintana Roo — The group Obra de Amor, which describes itself as altruistic, responded on Tuesday to accusations by Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama that it is running a fraudulent scheme offering free land in the Akumal-Tulum area in exchange for cleaning properties.

In a statement, the organization asserted it has a 10-year track record of uninterrupted work supporting low-income families in the state. It listed various social actions it undertakes, emphasizing its non-profit nature and claiming it has managed support from third parties for the most vulnerable families over the past decade.

“We are a community of Christian values, completely independent of any political party, public official, religious denomination, or civil association. We disavow the use of our image for profit or proselytizing purposes,” the statement added.

The group highlighted transparency in land management, noting that the process of relocation and land allocation has registered folios with the Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (SEDATU). “There is no sale of lots; what we promote is a model of allocation through community work, an initiative necessary due to the lack of basic infrastructure and previous government support,” it said.

Regarding what it called “social reality and housing,” Obra de Amor stated that the absence of access roads and basic services prevents families from inhabiting their land. “The requirement to ‘be inhabited’ to receive municipal support creates a vicious cycle that traps those who can no longer afford high rents. Therefore, we provide this opportunity to working families, free of vices and committed to caring for the land,” the group expressed.

Finally, it mentioned a call for collaboration, noting that despite having met all requirements and committees requested by previous municipal administrations, it has never received the necessary support. The group urged Governor Lezama not to “allow slander” and instead join its “citizen effort.”

“Governor, you know our dedication from before you assumed your current position. We request a direct contact channel to work together, make our actions transparent, and reach terms that benefit the Quintana Roo residents who need it most,” the statement concluded.

Governor Lezama’s alert came earlier on Tuesday during her program “La Voz del Pueblo,” where she said Obra de Amor invites families to participate in Sunday workdays with the promise of receiving a plot as compensation. She explained that this scheme could involve various irregularities, from environmental damage to potential risks to participants’ safety, and that there is no legal basis for handing over land under such conditions.

In response, she announced that a coordinated investigation has been launched involving federal, state, and municipal agencies, including AGEPRO, SEDATU, SEDETUS, and the municipality, to determine responsibilities and halt such practices.