TULUM, Mexico — The administration of Diego Castañón Trejo, municipal president of Tulum, is facing growing controversy after statistics from the National Citizens’ Observatory placed Tulum as the municipality with the highest number of open investigations from January to August 2024, surpassing even Cancún, a city with a much larger population. This revelation has unsettled local authorities, who have attempted to downplay the data, dismissing it as false information.
José Roberto Bautista, captain of Corvette and Secretary of Public Security and Citizen Protection in Tulum, held a press conference on Thursday to address what he called “fake news” affecting public perception of safety in the area. During the meeting, he discussed strategies to combat misinformation and corruption within the local police force, attempting to justify the government’s response to rising complaints about insecurity.
However, the government’s efforts to discredit the data have done little to change the reality faced by thousands of families in Tulum, who are directly or indirectly affected by violence, extortion, or unemployment resulting from businesses closing due to the pressure of organized crime. This climate of uncertainty and fear extends to locals and tourists visiting the region.
Rising Crime and Citizen Complaints
Data from the National Citizens’ Observatory show that between January and August 2024, Tulum registered 3,650 open investigations, significantly surpassing Cancún, which recorded 1,996 during the same period. These figures highlight the alarming crime rate in a municipality with a much smaller population. Moreover, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) estimates that over 92% of crimes in Quintana Roo go unreported or uninvestigated, further underscoring the extent of the problem.
Adding to this issue, reports of abuse of power and corruption within the Tulum police force have increased. Both residents and tourists have taken to social media and virtual forums to document their negative experiences with local law enforcement, revealing a growing distrust in the authorities. The local watchdog group, Tulum Citizens’ Observatory Against the Abuse of Power, has also documented irregularities not only within the police but across various sectors of the municipal government.
The Case of Floranna Durán Mejía and Other Security Concerns
One of the most recent cases that has drawn significant media attention is the disappearance of Floranna Durán Mejía, an American-Dominican woman last seen on October 14, 2024, in Tulum. Despite the activation of a search warrant by the State Attorney General’s Office, local authorities have provided no substantial updates, fueling criticism of Castañón Trejo’s handling of security issues.
This is not an isolated case. Many families in Tulum have fallen victim to crime or have seen their economic stability affected by business closures resulting from extortion. The government’s narrative that these concerns are merely part of a “misperception” of insecurity rings hollow for many, as residents and tourists experience the direct consequences of a poorly managed public security system.
Corruption and Uncontrolled Urban Development
In addition to rising crime, Tulum faces serious issues related to corruption and influence-peddling. One of the most prominent examples is the luxury condominium projects Adamar and Maiim, which were built with falsified permits and without the necessary approvals from all three levels of government. The civil association Defending the Right to a Healthy Environment (DMAS), represented by lawyer Antonella Vázquez, has publicly denounced the corruption behind these projects and called for their demolition to avoid risks to the public and protect Tulum’s environment.
On October 10, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) denied both projects the necessary environmental impact assessments, halting further construction. However, construction had already started in 2023 without the required permits, highlighting the deep-rooted corruption in Tulum’s real estate and government sectors.
In statements to the press, Vázquez expressed hope that these cases will be a turning point in exposing widespread corruption in Quintana Roo and fostering greater civic engagement in urban development issues. She also warned that the illegal sale of apartments in these complexes had already begun, further complicating the situation.
Diego Castañón Trejo’s administration continues to face mounting pressure over rising insecurity and multiple corruption scandals affecting the municipality. Crime statistics and citizen complaints starkly contrast with the government’s attempts to downplay these issues, creating a widening gap between the authorities and the community. Meanwhile, Tulum remains under the spotlight, with national and international organizations calling for transparent and effective solutions.
As a key tourist destination in Mexico, Tulum requires urgent measures to restore security, rebuild public trust, and ensure sustainable urban development. At The Tulum Times, we will continue to monitor the unfolding of these critical issues that impact the community’s future.
