A coordinated effort by the Quintana Roo State Attorney General's Office (FGE), the National Guard, and Benito Juárez Municipal Police led to the rescue of 23 women, including three Cubans, from a human trafficking ring in Cancun, Mexico.
The initial operation took place at a bar on José López Portillo Avenue, situated between Tulum Avenue and Calle 7 in Supermanzana 64. Here, authorities found ten women: seven Mexicans and three Cubans, all in a state of "extreme vulnerability," according to Mexican media reports.
Preliminary investigations uncovered that these women were coerced into interacting with patrons, operating under a scheme that required them to consume alcoholic beverages with customers. For each drink sold (200 pesos for a glass and 400 pesos for a beer), the bar kept half of the proceeds. This setup was a front for a forced prostitution network.
Furthermore, the women were compelled to provide sexual services for 1,000 pesos, with the alleged trafficker, Javier “N,” demanding an additional 1,000 pesos if a client wished for the woman to leave the premises. He was apprehended on-site, and in his possession were a cell phone, cash, condoms, and a white substance resembling crack.
Uncovering Hidden Brothels in Supermanzana 66
A second raid was conducted at two properties in Supermanzana 66, identified as lots 21 and 20A, where 13 Mexican women were freed. Initial findings and witness statements indicated these victims were forced to provide sexual services for 250 pesos, of which 50 pesos was collected daily by a woman in charge, amassing between 36,000 and 40,000 pesos weekly.
Support for Rescued Victims and Legal Proceedings
The 23 rescued women have been taken to the State Attorney General's Office facilities for comprehensive support, including medical, psychological, and legal assistance. Authorities have secured the involved properties and sealed them off. Javier “N,” the arrested individual, has been handed over to the Public Ministry, awaiting a legal determination of his status.
Items seized in both operations will be added to the investigation file to strengthen the ongoing legal process.
Cuban Women Caught in Cancun Trafficking Networks
Sexual exploitation trafficking is recognized as a prevalent form of modern-day slavery in Mexico. While most victims in this instance were Mexican, the presence of three Cuban women highlights the transnational nature of these trafficking networks.
Migrant women, particularly those without legal status or those seeking better living conditions abroad, often fall prey to these networks through deceptive job offers or promises of aid. For Cuban women, testimonies reveal that economic vulnerability, lack of documentation, and unfamiliarity with their surroundings are exploited by criminal networks to coerce them.
Cancun, a major tourist hub, has become a pivotal location for these networks, disguising their operations under the guise of bars and nightlife venues. The State Attorney General's Office reaffirmed its commitment to combating human rights violations and urged the public to report any signs of human trafficking.
Understanding Human Trafficking in Cancun
What led to the rescue of the women in Cancun?
The rescue was a result of a coordinated operation by the Quintana Roo State Attorney General's Office, the National Guard, and the Benito Juárez Municipal Police targeting a human trafficking network.
How were the women being exploited?
The women were forced to interact with customers and provide sexual services, with a portion of the earnings retained by the traffickers.
Why is Cancun a significant location for trafficking networks?
Cancun's status as a major tourist destination makes it an attractive location for traffickers to disguise their operations as bars and entertainment venues.