Cancun, Q.R. — Policía de Cancún say three officers have been relieved of their duties following a complaint of abuse. The three unnamed city officers have been accused of abuse, extortion and human rights violations.
The complaint was made by a Colombian woman Monday following a stop by two male tourist police officers in the Cancun Hotel Zone. On Tuesday, Policía de Cancún announced the suspension of three city officers alleged involved in the incident.
The man and woman who were arrested reported being arbitrarily detained, physically assaulted and extorted by members of the Tourist Police in Cancun Hotel Zone. The incident occurred in front of an establishment where the couple was arguing.
Despite explaining that they were not causing a disturbance, they were forcibly subdued and taken to the police station. The couple said that while in custody, they were separated and the man required to hand over cash.
According to the man, he initially paid the equivalent of $400 USD in Colombian pesos, however, the police demanded more money. Due to his card limit, the second withdraw was only for $500, a figure below what they wanted.
After the payments were accepted, he found his wife bound by her hands and with bruises. According to the wife, a female officer was led to her holding area by the two arresting male officers for the assault.
Once released, the woman filed a formal complaint for abuse of authority, assault, unlawful deprivation of liberty and extortion.
In a November 25 statement, Policía de Cancún said “police abuse is not tolerated in Benito Juárez. Following a complaint from a foreign national, three officers have been suspended from duty to ensure an impartial investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office.
“The Ministry of Public Security is providing support to the victim and reiterates its commitment to transparency, legality, and zero tolerance for any human rights violations.”
