A group of foreign tourists had a bitter experience in Oaxaca when an alleged tour guide extorted them by demanding six thousand pesos in exchange for returning their luggage. The incident, captured on video and shared on social media, sparked outrage among both residents and authorities.
The video shows the alleged perpetrator, identified as a man dressed in jeans and a blue sweatshirt, arguing with a foreign woman and denying that he had retained their luggage, despite the tourists pointing it out directly. According to the testimony of those affected, the man provided services to at least three tourists and, faced with an alleged lack of payment, decided to retain their belongings.
“It is not fair that something like this happens, and even less so in front of police officers, who did nothing to support us,” said one of the aggrieved tourists. The video also shows the presence of state police officers, who, according to the complaint, did not intervene in defense of the foreign visitors.
The situation escalated when the tourists asked to be taken to the office of the supposed guide to resolve the problem, but he refused at all times. Finally, and as reported on social media, the tourists ended up paying the amount demanded to recover their luggage.
After the video went viral, the head of the Oaxaca Tourism Secretariat, Saymi Pineda Velasco, issued a statement condemning the events and reaffirming the institution’s commitment to protecting the rights of visitors. “From the Tourism Secretariat we strongly condemn any practice that violates the rights of visitors and affects the image of our destinations,” Pineda said.
Likewise, the official announced that, through the Tourist Protection Center (CEPROTUR), the pertinent actions will be taken to address the case with the corresponding authorities. The complaint number 9515021200, extension 1204, was also made available to citizens to report any irregularities.
Source: LSR
