Tulum Dismisses 8 Police Officers for Alleged Corruption; More Under Investigation

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Tulum has dismissed at least eight police officers so far this year over alleged corruption, the municipal government said, as it pledged to continue investigating misconduct within the police force.

The dismissals were announced during a working meeting led by Mayor Diego Castañón Trejo and attended by Public Security Secretary Edgar Aguilar and Transit Director Jessica Orozco. Officials said internal investigations remain open and that any officer found to have engaged in wrongdoing will be removed from the force.

Castañón said he had instructed that public employees caught committing corruption be stripped of their duties, arguing such practices undermine public trust and the department’s performance.

Aguilar said reported cases have been referred to the competent authorities for follow-up, and that internal oversight will continue on a permanent basis.

As part of the measures, the city is keeping a complaint hotline at 984 198 68 65 for residents and visitors to report extortion, bribe requests, improper fees or other irregular conduct by police or traffic officers. Complaints are reviewed and, when warranted, turned over to the State Prosecutor’s Office.

The firings come amid recurring complaints about abuse and corruption by some traffic officers in Tulum. Motorists and tourists have reported being asked for irregular payments during traffic stops or while being issued fines.

The city did not say how many cases remain open or whether any officers are currently under investigation for similar conduct.