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The U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara has issued a security alert for Americans in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit, warning of kidnappings linked to dating app encounters – including popular gay dating apps – a concern highlighted by the recent rescue of a U.S. citizen and subsequent legal actions against alleged kidnappers in a case spanning two Mexican states.
Travel to Puerto Vallarta, considered one of the safest cities in Mexico, is considered safe but local LGBTQ+ officials have reminded visitors to use the same common sense precautions they would when visiting any tourist destination.
The Consulate confirmed “several reports of U.S. citizens being kidnapped by individuals the victims met on dating apps in recent months” in these popular tourist areas. Victims and their families in the United States have, in some instances, been extorted for large sums of money, the alert stated.
And while the security alert did not mention any particular case, details of a similar case have emerged following arrests in Nayarit.
According to the Nayarit State Prosecutor General’s Office, Edwin Aran “N” was formally linked to judicial proceedings for his alleged role in the aggravated kidnapping of a U.S. citizen, whose identity remains protected.
Prosecutors state the ordeal began May 6 in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, when the victim was reportedly lured by an individual posing as a friend to an apartment complex and then abducted. The victim was physically assaulted, and captors demanded a ransom between $5,000 and $10,000 from the victim and their family for release.
On May 9, the victim was moved to a motel in San Clemente de Lima, within the municipality of Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit. There, the victim managed to hide in a laundry room. A coordinated rescue operation involving Nayarit’s Criminal Investigation Agency, the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office, and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) secured the victim’s safe release, as reported by Jalisco Quadratin. Edwin Aran “N” was arrested the same day in a vehicle allegedly used to transport the victim.
A judge has ordered Edwin Aran “N” to be held in preventive detention as the investigation continues, with a six-month period set for the inquiry’s completion, the Nayarit prosecutor’s office announced.
Further developments reported by Vallarta Hoy on May 15 indicated that two more individuals, identified as Carlos “N” and José “N,” were arrested in Nayarit. They are accused of guarding the U.S. citizen at the motel and are now facing charges.
The U.S. Consulate’s warning, posted on its website, underscores that “this type of violence is not limited to one geographic area.”
The State Department’s travel advisory classifies Jalisco as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping. Nayarit is designated as “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime.
The Consulate urged U.S. citizens to exercise caution with online dating apps in Mexico. Recommendations include meeting strangers only in public places, avoiding isolated locations such as residences or hotel rooms, informing a friend or family member of plans, and trusting instincts to leave any situation that feels unsafe.
In an emergency, individuals should call 911. U.S. citizens needing emergency consular services can contact the U.S. Embassy or consulates in Mexico.
Actions to Take:
- Be cautious if using online dating apps in Mexico.
- Meet only in public places and avoid isolated locations.
- Tell a friend or family member of your plans, including where you are going, details of the person you are meeting, and the app you used to meet them.
- Trust your instincts. If something does not feel right, do not hesitate to remove yourself from a situation.
- In case of emergency call 911.
U.S. Citizen Assistance:
U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico
From Mexico: (55) 8526-2561
From the United States: 1-844-528-6611
Department of State – Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
Links:
Mexico International Travel information
U.S. Citizens in Mexico WhatsApp Channel
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Department of State on Facebook and X
U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Facebook and X
U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara on Facebook and X
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