Jesús Molina Vargas, a tourism entrepreneur and owner of Pikin Parque de Altura, located in the Primo Tapia delegation of Playas de Rosarito, Baja California, was kidnapped by individuals who entered the business in a light-blue pickup truck.
What Is Known About the Kidnapping of Jesús Molina Vargas in Rosarito?
At around 5:00 p.m. last Saturday, security cameras showed the aforementioned vehicle leaving the business and taking the Playas de Rosarito–Ensenada highway, near kilometer 42, before disappearing with Mr. Molina.
The Baja California State Attorney General’s Office (FGE BC) is already carrying out investigative efforts to resolve the case; however, so far, the victim’s whereabouts remain unknown, as does whether a financial demand has been made in exchange for his release.
Unofficial versions mention the involvement of four heavily armed men, who allegedly managed to locate the businessman inside the park and then forcibly put him into a vehicle.
What Is Extortion Through “Protection Payments” and How Does It Affect Businesses in Baja California?
Businesses in Playas de Rosarito, as well as those in other municipalities of Baja California, have been severely affected by extortion carried out by organized crime groups, a crime colloquially known as “protection payments.”
The latter is another one of the alleged reasons why Mr. Jesús Molina Vargas, who is around 70 years old, may have been taken against his will.
The situation has caused outrage not only among residents of the Primo Tapia delegation, but also throughout the state, where people have spoken out about the constant insecurity that entrepreneurs, merchants, and business owners, as well as citizens in general, have to face, many of them victims of local and national criminal groups.
As of Sunday, intelligence and field operations by the FGE BC and the municipal police forces of Playas de Rosarito and Tijuana continued. Likewise, security camera footage is being examined to find clues about the vehicle in which the victim was taken.
Source; elfinanciero
