TULUM, México – A distressing legal battle has unfolded in Tulum, as around 50 landowners demand justice from authorities, alleging that a group of criminals, supported by public notaries, are attempting to dispossess them of their properties. On Thursday morning, the aggrieved landowners took to the streets, holding banners and exposing their plight to the media. They criticized the slow pace of justice and the authorities’ inaction in resolving the ongoing litigation over their properties, which they claim have been under threat since 2018 due to forged documents.
Attorney Andrés Jiménez, representing María Victoria Hau Tun, the former owner of the ejido lands who legally sold them to the current owners, provided documentation to substantiate their claims. According to Jiménez, the legal purchase of two lots, measuring 13,300 square meters and 10,000 square meters, respectively, began in 2007. These lots are located on Calle 2 Norte between 25 Norte and Avenida Norte Bis, in Manzana 873, lots 3 and 4.
“Since the legal purchase of the lands, we initiated the titling procedures. Subsequently, in 2012, through a city council session, we obtained authorization for land-use changes, urban compatibility, and subdivision approval,” Jiménez explained.
However, in 2018, while processing an application with the State Secretariat of Ecology and Environment of Quintana Roo, they discovered individuals with fraudulent deeds claiming ownership of the properties. These individuals attempted to evict the rightful owners, even demolishing houses already constructed. These homes belonged to elderly people who had invested their life savings into these properties.
“We have been entangled in this legal battle since 2018. We are now calling on Governor Mara Lezama to intervene, as the authorities’ slow response is causing us immense suffering. Despite having all the necessary proof of legitimate ownership, including titles and deeds, a resolution has yet to be issued to prevent these individuals from trying to dispossess us,” Jiménez emphasized.
Two public notaries were involved in the case. One of them, Lic. Tomas Gof, based in Yucatán, issued a notarial power, which was used to create the fraudulent deeds at Notaría Pública No. 84 in Playa del Carmen.
Jiménez also highlighted that this is not the first time his client, María Victoria, has faced such attempts to dispossess her of her properties. In a previous case involving a property in Manzana 909, Lot 2, the individuals attempting to evict her were forced to pay 3.4 million pesos in compensation after withdrawing their claim.
One of the affected landowners, Heydi Mendoza, recounted her harrowing experience. She described how her family’s home was demolished by machinery while she was away on business in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. “This is my son’s inheritance, who had just gotten married. These people brought in machinery and demolished it. We are demanding justice because we are the legitimate owners,” Mendoza said.
The situation has become increasingly dire as the landowners continue to face threats and harassment. They are calling for immediate and decisive action from the authorities to protect their rights and properties. The community is also urged to be vigilant and support these landowners in their fight for justice.
