A group of 23 women who were victims of human trafficking, including three Cubans, were rescued in the Mexican city of Cancún during a joint operation by the Quintana Roo Attorney General's Office (FGE), the National Guard, and the Benito Juárez Municipal Police.
The first operation was carried out in a bar located on José López Portillo Avenue, between Tulum Avenue and 7th Street, in Supermanzana 64.
In that location, authorities found ten women: seven Mexicans and three of Cuban nationality, who were in a state of "extreme vulnerability", as detailed by the Mexican press.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were forced to interact with clients as part of an exploitation scheme in which they had to consume alcoholic beverages with them.
For every drink sold (200 pesos) and every beer (400 pesos), half of the money was kept by the establishment. That façade concealed a forced prostitution network.
In addition, women were forced to provide sexual services for which they charged 1,000 pesos, from which the alleged trafficker Javier “N” also demanded another 1,000 pesos if a client wanted the woman to leave the premises.
The subject was arrested at the scene. Among their belongings, a cell phone, cash, condoms, and a white substance with characteristics similar to crack were found.
Second raid: Cover-up brothel in the houses of Supermanzana 66
The second intervention took place on two properties in Supermanzana 66, identified as lots 21 and 20A.
Thirteen Mexican women were rescued there.
The collected statements and initial findings revealed that in this case the victims were forced to provide sexual services for 250 pesos, of which they had to pay 50 pesos as a daily commission to a woman in charge, who collected between 36,000 and 40,000 pesos weekly.
Attention to victims and judicial process
The 23 women rescued were transferred to the facilities of the State Attorney General's Office to receive specialized and comprehensive care, including medical, psychological, and legal assistance.
The authorities secured the properties involved and placed closure seals.
Javier “N”, the man who was detained, has been placed at the disposal of the Public Ministry, and it is expected that his legal situation will be defined in the coming hours.
The material secured in both operations will be included in the corresponding case file, with the aim of strengthening the ongoing legal process.
Cuban Women in Trafficking Networks in Cancun
Human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation has been documented as one of the most widespread forms of modern slavery in Mexico.
Although the majority of the victims in this case were Mexican, the presence of three Cuban women among those rescued highlights the transnational nature of these human trafficking networks.
Migrant women, especially those who are in irregular situations or who have left their countries in search of better living conditions, are frequent targets for recruitment into sexual exploitation, often under false promises of employment or assistance.
In the case of Cuban women, testimonies from migrants reveal how economic vulnerability, lack of documentation, and unfamiliarity with the environment are exploited by criminal networks to coerce them.
Cancún, as a highly sought-after tourist destination, has become one of the key locations for these networks, where they hide behind the facade of bars and nightlife entertainment venues.
The Attorney General's Office reiterated its commitment to combating practices that violate human rights and urged citizens to report any signs of human trafficking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Human Trafficking in Cancun and the Rescue of Cuban Women
How did the human trafficking network operate in Cancun?
The trafficking network in Cancun operated under the guise of bars and nightclubs, where the victims were forced to interact with clients and consume alcoholic beverages. The women were also coerced into providing sexual services, with the traffickers retaining most of the money generated.
What role do Cuban women play in trafficking networks in Mexico?
Cuban women are particularly vulnerable to being targeted by these networks due to their status as migrants and lack of documentation. They are often deceived with false promises of employment and subsequently sexually exploited. This phenomenon is part of a broader pattern of exploitation of migrant women in Mexico.
What measures did the authorities take after the rescue of the women in Cancun?
After the rescue, the authorities transported the women to the State Attorney General’s Office to receive medical, psychological, and legal assistance. The properties were secured and closure seals were placed. Additionally, an individual linked to the trafficking network was arrested and is under judicial proceedings.
What do the operations reveal about the presence of transnational trafficking networks in Cancun?
The operations in Cancún reveal the transnational nature of trafficking networks, involving victims from different nationalities, including Cubans. This highlights a serious issue of sexual exploitation in tourist destinations, where these networks find a favorable environment due to the high influx of tourists and the demand for illegal services.
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