Colombia, a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, has recently become a cause for concern among American travelers. The U.S. Embassy in Bogota has issued a warning urging Americans to exercise caution when using dating apps in the country. This advisory comes in the wake of eight “suspicious deaths” involving U.S. citizens in Medellin between November 1 and December 31, 2023. Embassy officials suspect that these incidents may be linked to involuntary drug overdoses or homicides.
The U.S. Embassy has highlighted a disturbing trend in which criminals in Colombia are using dating apps as a means to lure victims into dangerous situations. These criminals often target foreigners, particularly Americans, who may be more vulnerable due to their unfamiliarity with the local environment. The victims are enticed to meet their potential dates in public places, such as hotels, restaurants, and bars. Once they arrive at these locations, they are subjected to assault, robbery, and in some cases, even murder.
Over the past year, the U.S. Embassy has observed a significant rise in reports of incidents involving the use of online dating applications to commit crimes against foreigners. This alarming trend has been observed not only in Medellin but also in other major cities like Cartagena and Bogota. The embassy urges American citizens to remain vigilant and maintain heightened situational awareness when using dating apps in Colombia.
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Dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble, which have gained popularity worldwide, have also become preferred tools for criminal gangs in Colombia. These gangs employ attractive individuals to entice unsuspecting victims, who are often lured by the prospect of meeting someone new and exciting. However, these encounters can quickly turn dangerous, with victims falling prey to robbery, assault, and even drugging.
Criminal gangs in Colombia have been known to use sedatives, such as scopolamine (also known as burundanga), to incapacitate their victims. Scopolamine is derived from nightshade plants and is easily slipped into someone’s drink without detection. Once administered, the drug leaves its victims unconscious, often for up to 24 hours, with no memory of the events that transpired. During this time, criminals take advantage of their victims, robbing them of their belongings and sometimes even their lives.
The increase in reported incidents involving dating app-related crimes has raised concerns among both Colombian authorities and the U.S. Embassy. According to the Tourism Observatory of the District Personnel of Medellin, thefts against foreign visitors surged by a staggering 200% in the last quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year. Additionally, violent deaths of foreign visitors increased by 29%, with a significant number of victims being U.S. citizens.
One tragic case that highlights the dangers of using dating apps in Colombia is that of Hmong American comedian and activist Tou Ger Xiong. Xiong, who was visiting Medellin, was found dead in December. Prior to his death, he had been in contact with a friend in the U.S., informing him that he had been kidnapped and required $2,000 for his release. Sadly, the ransom was not paid, and Xiong’s body was later discovered in a wooded area of Medellin. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with online dating in Colombia.
In light of the concerning incidents, the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory classifying Colombia as a “Level 3: Reconsider” destination due to crime and terrorism. It is strongly recommended that American travelers exercise caution and take certain safety precautions when using dating apps in the country.
If you decide to meet someone you’ve connected with on a dating app, it is advisable to do so in public places. Avoid isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms, as these are more likely to be venues for crimes to occur. Meeting in a well-populated area can provide an added level of safety.
If you plan to invite someone you’ve met on a dating app to your hotel room or place of accommodation, it is crucial to establish protocols to ensure your safety. Speak with the door attendant or concierge beforehand and establish a procedure for your visitor’s identification and authorization. These measures can help prevent potential harm and provide a layer of security.
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Before meeting someone from a dating app, be sure to inform friends or family members about the details of your meeting. Share the person’s name, the location you’ll be visiting, and the dating app you used to connect with them. This information can be crucial in case of an emergency or if assistance is needed.
Perhaps the most important precaution is to trust your instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe, it is essential to remove yourself from it. Your intuition can often guide you towards making the right decisions and ensuring your personal safety.
In the unfortunate event of a robbery, it is strongly advised not to physically resist. Victims who resist are at a higher risk of being harmed or even killed. It is essential to prioritize your personal safety above all else and cooperate with the perpetrators to minimize the potential for violence.