EXPOSED: US tourists 'drugged, robbed, killed' in deadly dating scam in Colombia

A wave of mysterious deaths involving American men in Medellin has been linked to dating apps, leaving families desperate for answers, BBC reported.

The grim incidents, resulting in at least eight deaths of Americans in November and December, have sparked concern and led to a warning from the US embassy about the risks associated with using dating apps in the city.

Among the victims was Tou Ger Xiong, a 50-year-old Hmong-American community activist and comedian from Minnesota. His tragic fate unfolded after he communicated with a woman online during his visit to Medellin. Shockingly, Tou Ger was kidnapped, held at gunpoint, and later found dead in a remote, wooded area of the city after a ransom demand.

Eh Xiong, Tou Ger's brother, recounted the heartbreaking experience of discovering his brother's fate. The incident prompted Colombian police to arrest a woman and two men linked to the kidnapping and murder.

The US embassy issued a warning, highlighting a potential threat from a gang using dating apps to isolate victims before abducting and killing them. In the first 10 months of 2023, Medellin recorded a disturbing 40% increase in violent killings of foreigners, with at least 12 Americans among the victims.

The embassy expressed concerns about victims being "drugged, robbed, and even killed by their Colombian dates." The use of scopolamine, a substance known as "Devil's Breath," was cited as a common method to sedate victims.

Carlos Calle, former director of the city's tourism observatory, emphasised the negative profile of tourists targeted for criminal activities, often linked to opportunities related to sex work. While prostitution is legal in Colombia, there is no evidence suggesting the victims were involved in such activities.

In response to the escalating violence, the US embassy recommended precautions for its citizens, including avoiding private places for dates, informing others about the plans, and not resisting in case of a robbery, as it could be fatal.

As Medellin grapples with the surge in violent deaths, Mayor Federico Gutierrez expressed a desire for more foreign tourists but warned against those seeking only sex and drugs. He directed police to address underlying issues, including the sex trafficking of minors, in popular tourist neighbourhoods like El Poblado.

The increase in violent deaths poses a challenge to the city, which saw over 1.4 million foreign tourists in 2022, with Americans constituting over a quarter of the visitors.

The city expects even higher numbers in 2023, partly due to Medellin's popularity among remote workers. The tragic incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking behind the allure of online dating in the vibrant Colombian city.