Mexican media reveal Cancun airport scammers’ ties to local officials

Members of the Mexican National Guard are said to be working together illegal taxi companies at Cancun International Airport (AIC), a local media outlet reported.

This fact became apparent on April 18 when a Canadian tourist named Xavier Cornier was defrauded by a taxi driver, identified as Eduardo G., who worked at the airport without a legal license in a taxi labeled “Airport Taxi.”

Two security guards made the Canadian believe that he was not allowed to stay in Terminal 3 and that he had to travel to Terminal 4 by taxi, because walking was also not allowed. They also insisted that he pay a $5 fee via credit card. They didn’t mention that the shuttle service between the terminals was free and functioned as usual.

Cornier arrived at Terminal 4, where I was charged $528.14 Canadian dollarstwice!

After a fight in which the driver also tried to steal his belongings, two police officers forced the driver to pay the tourist back. The driver was taken into custody a few days later, but he was quickly released because Cornier had not pressed charges.

The case was seen by more than 6 million TikTok users who followed 6 viral videos posted by Cornier. Many viewers claimed they had similar experiences at this airport.

According to Alejandro García from Quequi Newsthe efforts made to eradicate illegal transportation at Cancun International Airport are “a lie” because National Guard members and some politicians are known to own many of these taxis.

“Illegal operators are underhanded and even protected by members of the company [National Guard] because it is an open secret that many of these units [illegal taxis] are owned by civil servants and local politicians,” Garcia said.

According to legally established airport taxi companies There are reportedly more than 900 illegal taxis at Cancun International Airport.

Last October, representatives of the National Chamber for Passenger and Tourist Transportation (Canapat) met with members of the National Guard to discuss strategies to combat illegal transportation at Cancun Airport.

“Unfortunately, these individuals create a negative reputation that spreads far and wide. I think this should be sanctioned by the National Guard or the corresponding authority. Asur should withdraw concessions as punishment for those who abuse tourists and do not consider the impact they have on the destination.” said Jesús Almaguer Salazar, president of the Hotel Association of Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres.

According to García, “the chain of corruption” starts at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT), the entity that authorizes the issuance of permits without submitting the required legal documents.