Medellin, Colombia – The recent string of mysterious deaths involving American men in Colombia has been linked to dating apps, leaving relatives of the victims searching for answers. Among those killed was Tou Ger Xiong, a Hmong-American community activist and comedian from Minnesota who tragically fell victim to the dangers associated with online dating and traveling to Medellin.
Xiong, 50, had been in contact with a woman online prior to his most recent trip to Medellin. A few weeks into his two-month visit, he contacted his brother, asking for $2,000 without disclosing the reason. He was later found murdered, allegedly after being kidnapped and held at gunpoint for the ransom. The tragic incident raised concerns about the safety of foreigners using dating apps in the city, prompting a warning from the US embassy about the risks involved.
The US state department reported the presence of a criminal gang in Medellin that had previously used dating apps to isolate victims before abducting and killing them. However, it is unclear whether this group was involved in the deaths of the American men. The spike in violent killings of foreigners in the city, including at least 12 Americans and three from the United Kingdom, has sparked fear and uncertainty among travelers and residents alike.
Carlos Calle, the former director of the city’s tourism observatory, shed light on the prevalence of criminals using scopolamine, also known as “Devil’s Breath,” to drug and rob tourists. His remarks highlighted the dangers that lurk beneath the surface in Medellin, a popular tourist destination that has seen a concerning increase in cases of individuals being drugged, robbed, and even killed by their Colombian dates.
The issue of sex trafficking of minors in the city has also come to the forefront, prompting Mayor Federico Gutierrez to direct the police to crack down on this related underlying problem. With the city attracting over 1.4 million foreign tourists in 2022, efforts to ensure the safety of visitors, especially in prominent nightlife areas, have become a priority for local authorities.
As stories of tragedy and danger continue to surface, the need for caution and awareness when using dating apps and traveling to Medellin becomes increasingly imperative. The deaths of these American men serve as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with online interactions and foreign travel, urging individuals to exercise vigilance and take precautionary measures to safeguard themselves from potential harm.