Tourism Transporters in Cancún Report Virtual Kidnappings and Extortion by Colombian Gang

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Tourism transport operators with federal license plates have reported being targeted by virtual kidnappings and extortion carried out by a gang believed to be composed of Colombian nationals, according to José Cuauhtémoc Bizarro Galván, president of the civil association Movimiento TOUR A.C.

Bizarro Galván said his organization has documented more than five cases in recent weeks, though he noted authorities may have additional similar reports.

“In April, the federal tourism transport sector has been subjected to extortion through virtual kidnappings by organized crime,” Bizarro Galván explained. “Their method involves contacting companies through websites or social media to request airport transfers. They make an online reservation or text basic details like names, phone numbers, and a sketch or location to find the pickup spot. When the vehicle arrives, it’s intercepted, and the driver is threatened with death while criminals call the owner or manager to demand ransoms exceeding five figures.”

He added that drivers are often cut off from communication with their companies, and perpetrators call repeatedly to insist it’s a kidnapping, threatening to dismember the driver if payments aren’t made.

“Based on information from affected colleagues, the individuals speak with Colombian accents, and phone numbers collected indicate they’re from that country,” Bizarro Galván said.

The association leader stated they have reported these incidents to the 911 emergency line of the Citizen Security Department, but he criticized the response as slow and inefficient in catching perpetrators red-handed. Victims are filing formal complaints with the State Prosecutor’s Office.

Bizarro Galván clarified that no drivers have been killed or physically injured so far, but one operator escaped captors, and an owner suffered a nervous breakdown during extortion attempts. Another company withdrew from an area due to suspicious individuals present.

“It’s important for us as a transport association to publicize these cases to the public and government so proper precautions and public security measures are taken,” Bizarro Galván concluded.