The Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, has announced that additional investigations are underway in Mexico concerning resorts allegedly linked to criminal operations, extending beyond the case identified in Riviera Nayarit.
In a press conference, García Harfuch responded to questions following the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s announcement that Kovay Gardens resort was being utilized by an organized crime group for fraud and money laundering activities. When asked if other similar cases were being investigated, he confirmed that while this specific case has identified related companies and individuals, there are indeed other cases under investigation in various states across the country.
Just yesterday, U.S. authorities reported that they had frozen assets and named companies and individuals associated with this fraudulent scheme. The Treasury designated 17 companies, including one in the United States, along with five individuals connected to the timeshare fraud network.
García Harfuch clarified that each investigation linked to money laundering conducted by drug cartels operates independently. When pressed whether a general investigation was underway, he reiterated that these are distinct investigations. The specific case concerning the resort is being led by the Financial Intelligence Unit in collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office.
Additionally, the U.S. Treasury Department indicated that the resort’s owner, Carlos Humberto Rivera Miramontes, has a history of collaborating with drug traffickers, with operations being controlled by a criminal group. The U.S. government has also offered a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of an individual named Flores Silva.
In addressing ongoing inquiries, García Harfuch stated that investigations are actively in progress and are being coordinated with the Financial Intelligence Unit, promising that further information will be provided by the Attorney General’s office when appropriate.
This development highlights the ongoing efforts of authorities in Mexico and the United States to combat organized crime and financial misconduct within the tourism sector, marking a crucial step toward improved security and integrity in the region.