The recent kidnapping and killing of four Americans by a Mexican drug cartel has sparked outrage and fear among the residents of Matamoros, a border city in the state of Tamaulipas. The victims were visiting Mexico when they were abducted by armed men on February 28. Two of them, a 19-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man, were found dead with gunshot wounds on March 3. The other two, a 39-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man, were rescued by authorities on March 4.
Mexican Gulf Cartel Snitched on 5 Members who Kidnapped American Tourists and Sends Apology Letter
What was even more shocking was the discovery of an apology letter allegedly written by the Scorpions faction of the Gulf cartel, the criminal group blamed for the violence. The letter, obtained by The Associated Press through a law enforcement source, claimed that the cartel had turned over five of its own members who were responsible for the “events” to the authorities. The letter also expressed regret for the harm caused to the innocent people and their families.
The letter said, “We have decided to turn over those who were directly involved and responsible in the events, who at all times acted under their own decision-making and lack of discipline.” The letter goes on adding that those individuals had gone against the cartel’s rules, which include “respecting the life and well-being of the innocent”.
The letter also apologized to a Mexican woman who died in a shootout between cartel members and security forces on March 3, as well as to the residents of Matamoros for disrupting their peace.
Details About the Conspiracy Theories Surrounding Mexican Gulf Cartel’s Apology Letter and Why They Turned Over 5 Members To Authorities
An important question many officials apparently have is why would a ruthless drug cartel apologize for its actions, and how credible is this letter? According to some experts, this could be an attempt by the cartel to do some damage control, and avoid further scrutiny from both sides of the border. The killings of Americans have drawn attention from U.S. authorities and media outlets, as well as from Mexican security forces and public opinion. This could pose a threat to the cartel’s operations and profits.
“It is very difficult right now for them to continue working in terms of street-level drug sales and transferring drugs to the United States; they are the first ones interested in closing this chapter as soon as possible,” said David Saucedo, a Mexican security analyst.
Drug cartels have been known to issue communiques or banners to intimidate rivals or authorities, but also at times to try to win over public support or justify their actions. However, these messages are often met with skepticism or indifference by most people. “The cartels have lost all credibility with society; nobody believes them anymore,” said Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, a professor at George Mason University who studies organized crime in Mexico.
She added that turning over suspects to authorities does not mean that justice will be served or that violence will end. In fact, she said that many times these suspects are either scapegoats or low-level operatives who are easily replaced by others. “The problem is not only with these individuals; it is with an entire system that allows this kind of impunity and corruption,” she said.
The case of the kidnapped Americans is still under investigation by both Mexican and U.S. authorities. It is unclear if the five men allegedly handed over by the cartel are indeed involved or if they will face any charges. It is also unknown if there are any other suspects or motives behind this crime.
Essentially the conspiracy theory about the Gulf Cartel’s Apology letter and the 5 men they snitched on is that they might not even be the ones truly responsible, and the letter is not sincere rather just damage control. It seems that experts believe that if higher ranking members of the Gulf Cartel were responsible, they would use lower ranking members to take the fall.
What is clear is that this incident has exposed once again the vulnerability and insecurity that many people face in Mexico, especially along the border regions where drug cartels operate with impunity.
