Cancun, Quintana Roo — A judge has ordered three people held for trial on charges of running a sex trafficking and prostitution ring that operated out of a home in the Real Tikal neighborhood, authorities said.
The suspects — identified as Cristian Gerardo “N,” Andy Jesús “N,” and Yuri Angélica “N” — were ordered held in pretrial detention for up to two years while the investigation continues, the Quintana Roo State Prosecutor’s Office announced.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the victims were vulnerable women who were lured to Cancun with promises of jobs in the hotel industry. Once they arrived, they were allegedly forced into prostitution.
Investigators said Yuri Angélica “N” was responsible for contacting and convincing the women to travel to the city under the pretense of well-paying jobs.
The victims were reportedly required to charge between 2,500 and 3,000 pesos per sexual service and hand over a portion of the money to those running the operation.
The three were arrested during a raid on the property by state investigators. Three women believed to be victims of human trafficking were found at the scene.
During the search, authorities seized 55 cell phones, 56 envelopes containing SIM cards and micro SIM cards, a laptop, four point-of-sale terminals, and several notebooks with notes. Officers also found bags of dried plant material resembling marijuana.
After reviewing the evidence presented by prosecutors and hearing arguments from both sides, the judge determined there was sufficient cause to proceed with a criminal case against the suspects on charges related to sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
