Three Suspected Hitmen Arrested in Tulum, Linked to Homicides and Disappearances

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Authorities in Quintana Roo have arrested three individuals in connection with two homicides, two disappearances, and an attempted murder that occurred this year in Tulum.

During the weekly Security Cabinet press conference, State Prosecutor Raciel López Salazar confirmed the detention of two suspects, identified as Alfredo, alias “Fred,” and Jacinto, alias “Chinto.” They are accused of two homicides and one attempted murder.

The attempted murder took place on May 10 in Aldea Zama, targeting a foreigner named Ángel. The two homicides occurred on May 7 and May 14 in the La Veleta neighborhood.

Separately, police arrested José Hugo, alias “Chucho,” in possession of a Glock firearm and a motorcycle. He is held responsible for the disappearance of a man on May 9 at kilometer 9 of Tulum’s Coastal Zone. He is also suspected of involvement in the kidnapping and disappearance of another victim on February 10 on Ágata Avenue in Aldea Tulum. Three other people have already been detained in connection with that case.

Foreigners Arrested in Sex Trafficking Raid

In a separate operation, López Salazar detailed a raid on two homes in Chetumal’s Supermanzana 32, which were operating as brothels. Police rescued six women — two Mexicans, two Venezuelans, and two Paraguayans — and arrested two individuals on human trafficking charges: Elvia, 31, from Cuba, and Agustín, from Argentina.

According to the prosecutor, the suspects recruited women from abroad via the internet, paying for their travel and promising jobs in the tourism industry. Upon arrival, the women were forced into prostitution.

Elvia allegedly maintained a “catalog” of photos of the women in lingerie or nude, which she offered to clients. She also managed the victims’ social media profiles and answered phone calls. Agustín was responsible for collecting payments.

During the raid, authorities seized six accounting notebooks, four surveillance cameras, payment terminals, cell phones, USB drives, and marijuana.