Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — Residents affected by a recent land takeover attempt are pointing fingers. They say a local man who once headed a city hall department is responsible for promoting the local invasion.
According to the group of angry residents, it is not the first time he has encouraged a land invasion or scammed people out of their money. The gathered residents said he is selling properties in an area called Gloria Escondida for 15,000 pesos.
They are accusing him of promising them future regularization by the state government, a claim that has been repeatedly denied by authorities such as State Secretary Cristina Torres, who, in the past, has warned potential buyers that those invaded lands are property of the Playa del Carmen Ejido.
As such, they are designated in the city’s Urban Development Plan to become roadways and will not be regularized for real estate public services.
The group have claimed the former official was taking advantage of the current housing need. According to reports, Playa del Carmen officials are investigating the claims made by the group of residents who bought into the scam.
The man alleged responsible is currently being investigated for property damage, environmental violations and inciting illegal land occupation. Last week, a group of approximately 20 people were found illegally clearing land off Avenida Juárez. Those involved are alleged to belong to a group that operates in other land invasion areas, headed by the man accused of being a former city official.
