A private investigator specializing in kidnappings in Mexico has warned that cartels are increasingly using women and children to carry out violent acts. In the wake of the high-profile murders of three surfers in Mexico, the investigator, Jay Armes III, emphasized that the appearance of criminals may be deceiving. Cartel members often do not look like traditional “bad guys” and could blend in with the general population. The suspects in the surfers’ homicides were charged with “forced disappearance” and were involved in a carjacking that resulted in the victims’ deaths.
The use of women and children as assassins by cartels is a growing trend, according to the private investigator. Women like Claudia Ochoa Felix, known as the “Kim Kardashian of Mexican cartels,” have been employed as hitmen, luring targets close without attracting attention. The International Crisis Group’s research corroborates Armes’ observations, indicating that women’s presence in illegal groups has strengthened organizations and deepened crime within Mexican society. The ICG found an increase in the number of women charged with cartel-related crimes, highlighting the changing landscape of cartel activity in Mexico.
As summer vacations and honeymoon season kick off, Americans flock to Mexican resorts such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. These tourist destinations were once considered safe but have now become potential hotspots for cartel violence. Cartels view tourists as potential customers, putting travelers at risk of becoming involved in violence. Armes advises travelers to stay vigilant and trust their instincts when they feel that a situation is not safe. With the rules changing in Mexico, being aware of personal safety is crucial when visiting popular tourist destinations.
The private investigator raised awareness of the changing tactics of criminals in Mexico, noting that the appearance of cartel members may not be what one expects. In the case of the surfers’ murders, the suspects were involved in a carjacking and wanted the tires from the victims’ truck, resulting in their deaths. Cartels are increasingly using women and children as assassins, taking advantage of their ability to go unnoticed and get close to targets without raising suspicion. The shifting dynamics within cartel activity pose a significant threat to travelers and locals in Mexico.
The implications of cartel activity and violence in Mexico have far-reaching consequences, with the presence of women in illegal groups intensifying criminal activities. The need for heightened awareness and caution when traveling to popular tourist destinations along the Mexican coast is imperative, especially as cartels target tourists as potential customers or unfortunate casualties of their violence. The evolving nature of cartel tactics, including the use of women and children as hitmen, underscores the importance of being vigilant and recognizing potential dangers when visiting Mexico.
In closing, the private investigator emphasized the importance of trusting one’s instincts and being hypervigilant when traveling to Mexico, particularly in light of the changing landscape of cartel violence. The recent murders of three surfers highlight the risks that travelers face in popular tourist destinations previously considered safe. With cartels utilizing women and children as assassins, the traditional image of criminals may not apply, posing a significant challenge to identifying potential threats. Overall, the need for increased caution and awareness when traveling in Mexico is essential to ensuring personal safety and security in the face of evolving cartel activity.
