In late September 2025, a troubling case of police extortion in Tulum, Quintana Roo, came to light when U.S. tourists reported being coerced into paying a bribe—commonly referred to as a mordida—using a bank terminal. The incident occurred at a checkpoint on the extension of Kukulkán Avenue, near the coastal zone, where local police stopped the tourists for a routine inspection.
According to the victims, officers rejected their digital driver’s license, insisting that only a physical copy was valid. They were told that this “infraction” warranted a 36-hour detention unless they paid a fine on the spot. Under pressure and facing the threat of being taken to a unit labeled “Blindaje Tulum,” the tourists agreed to pay $1,100 USD (approximately 20,000 pesos) to avoid detention.
The payment was processed through a Clip bank terminal registered under the name “SSC-Tulum,” with two separate charges of $273.75 and $820.75. The tourists, whose flight was scheduled for the next day, felt they had no choice but to comply.
This incident has sparked outrage among residents and tourism operators, who warn that such practices are damaging Tulum’s reputation and driving away international visitors. Citizen organizations have called for an investigation, arguing that the use of official banking equipment for extortion suggests a more organized and systemic abuse of power.
As of now, the Tulum Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection has not issued an official statement. The case underscores growing concerns about corruption and abuse within local law enforcement, particularly in tourist-heavy regions.
Source: Quinta Fuerza
