The News
Friday 29 of March 2024

Fake Security Firm was used to Recruit for Cartel in Puerto Vallarta


Private Security Firm
Private Security Firm
Authorities discovered the scheme when one recruit tried to leave and was held for a ransom

MEXICO CITY — A state prosecutor in western Mexico says authorities broke up a fake private security company that was used to recruit for a drug cartel.

Jalisco state prosecutor Jesús Eduardo Almaguer said 13 people were arrested, including a U.S. woman who allegedly led the recruitment effort from the Pacific resort of Puerto Vallarta.

Almaguer said flyers with a phone number and email address were distributed offering rapid career advancement, salaries higher than those paid by government security agencies and year-end bonuses. Recruits were given a week of weapons training using paintball guns.

Authorities discovered the scheme when one recruit tried to leave and was held for a ransom of 1 million pesos ($55,500). His family called authorities.

Almaguer told reporters Wednesday that the recruits were required to make street-level drug sales.