Colombian police have arrested the gang responsible for a series of violent robberies targeting foreigners, including the murder of a British tourist.

Following investigations on a series of violent attacks on foreigners in Medellin and Cartagena, 14 people, including four minors, were arrested. The police said the gang had been operating for two years.

The attackers used the “honey trap” or “quickie kidnaps” method. Using attractive women, they lured victims into isolated areas before kidnapping or robbing them. The women arranged meetings with the tourists through dating apps like Tinder or social media.

“The first driver would threaten the victim with a firearm,” said a regional police spokesman. “A few blocks away another car would appear and the criminals would threaten and assault the foreign men targeted to try to obtain the passwords to their online banking and bitcoin accounts as well as the PIN numbers for their debit and credit cards.”

Kyle Alexander MacKenzie, 34, had gone missing for two days before being found badly hurt at a mountain spot near Medellin. He was brought to a nearby health centre and then urgently transferred to Medellin’s General Hospital. Despite undergoing life-saving surgery, he later died in the hospital. 

Initial reports indicated that he had been struck on the head with a gun’s butt by robbers who stole his possessions after he hiked to the Hill of Three Crosses, a scenic spot in Medellin. According to reports, he was able to inform paramedics that he had been attacked and robbed by three men who took all of his possessions before passing away.

Following news of his murder, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued a statement confirming their assistance to his family. 

Travelling safely in Colombia

Colombia is a popular tourist destination in South America, but it is important to be aware of the country’s crime rate. While the figures have fallen in recent years, tourists should remain vigilant, stay in well-travelled areas and heed the advice of locals.

In a blog post, the UK government cautioned British tourists to be aware of the high crime rates in Colombia, especially street crimes. Mugging and pickpocketing, which can be accompanied by violence, is common in Candelaria, Bogotá. One British national fell victim to an armed robbery in the area.

The British Embassy also warns British nationals of criminals using drugs, such as scopolamine, to incapacitate victims. They can be administered through food, drinks, cigarettes, aerosols, and even paper flyers. Victims become disoriented quickly and are vulnerable to robbery, sexual assault, as well as other crimes.

Tourists need to be mindful when taking public transport. Avoid hailing taxis on the street, and opt for licensed telephone or internet-based taxi services whenever possible. It is better to book a taxi through a hotel or restaurant.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also advises against all but essential travel to several regions and cities in Colombia. The full list of areas to avoid is available on the government website.

Staying safe while abroad

Crime exists in every country, so tourists need to be vigilant regardless of where they are travelling. High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) may be at an increased risk of crime, especially when carrying items of high value.

HNWIs travelling abroad should take extra precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. This may include hiring a security team, using private transportation, and staying in secure hotels. They can also employ security agencies like Marengo to find the right security solution.

They should also be careful about what information they share online and in public, as well as avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables with them.