Background on the Fiscal General of Quintana Roo
The Fiscal General of Quintana Roo, Raciel López Salazar, is the chief law enforcement officer responsible for prosecuting crimes within the Mexican state. Quintana Roo, known for its popular tourist destinations like Cancún, requires vigilance against financial scams targeting both locals and tourists. The recent arrest of two individuals involved in fraudulent real estate mediation highlights the Fiscal General’s commitment to protecting citizens from such deceitful practices.
The Fraudulent Scheme
López Salazar announced the apprehension of two individuals, Luis Fernando and Christopher, who were allegedly engaging in fraudulent real estate mediation services. These deceptive practices involved offering properties at 50% below their actual market value, misleading potential buyers into believing they were securing a great deal.
Modus Operandi
The suspects promoted themselves through social media as facilitators of real estate investment, providing legal advice for acquiring recovered properties and mortgages. They offered sessions on credit rights, litigation, and adjudication, showcasing properties with commercial values significantly discounted from their real costs. To add a layer of legitimacy, they would display the exterior of properties to their victims and then sign a private contract for real estate mediation services in front of a public notary, creating an illusion of legal compliance.
Victim Impact
One of the victims was a 65-year-old retired woman who learned about the opportunity to invest her retirement funds in a recovered property being offered at an attractive price. After signing a contract for service provision with a notary, she paid 450,000 pesos under the agreement that the property would be transferred in February. However, the perpetrators failed to deliver, prompting the victim to file a complaint with the attorney general’s office in May.
Investigation Findings
During the investigation, authorities discovered that the targeted property was not associated with any merchandising or civil litigation. Furthermore, there was no record of the accused being involved in any legal proceedings related to this property.
Public Warning
In response to this case, López Salazar urged the public to verify the legality of sellers or service providers before investing their money. He encouraged citizens to seek advice from the Fiscalía de Delitos Patrimoniales (Property Crimes Prosecutor’s Office) or other relevant authorities to ensure their investments are secure and legitimate.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was arrested? Two individuals, Luis Fernando and Christopher, were detained for offering fraudulent real estate mediation services in Cancún.
- What was their scheme? They promoted themselves as real estate investment facilitators, offering discounted properties and legal advice. Victims were misled into believing they were securing great deals.
- Who was affected? A 65-year-old retired woman invested her retirement funds based on their deceptive offers, only to be left without the promised property.
- What is the public warning? Citizens should verify the legitimacy of real estate sellers or service providers and consult relevant authorities before investing to avoid falling victim to such scams.
