Bogota, Colombia – The US mission in Bogota has issued a warning to American citizens about the potential risks of dating in Colombia following a series of suspicious deaths. Eight deaths, occurring between November and December, have raised concerns about involuntary drugging, overdose, and suspected homicides. The victims, many of whom were American citizens, were reportedly targeted after meeting through dating apps, facing increased threats of assault, robbery, and fatal violence. The incidents are not believed to be directly connected, but they point to potential motives of drugging, robbery, and overdose, with a link to the use of online dating applications.
Last month, an American comedian from Minnesota was found dead with multiple stab wounds after being kidnapped during a trip to Colombia. Other American citizens met similar tragic fates, including drugging and overdoses. The US embassy stated that violent deaths of foreign visitors, particularly US citizens, increased by 29 percent. Criminals are known to exploit dating apps to lure victims into public places like hotels, restaurants, and bars before carrying out robberies.
In response to the rise in suspicious deaths, US citizens in Colombia have been strongly urged to exercise caution when using online dating apps. The former director of Medellin’s tourism observatory highlighted the common practice of drugging tourists with scopolamine, also known as “Devil’s Breath,” and emphasized the negative profile of tourists in the city that look for certain opportunities related to sex work. The US embassy has provided safety tips for citizens, including meeting in public places, establishing policies for visitors to residences or hotel rooms, and informing a friend or family member of one’s plans when meeting with a stranger.
The increase in deaths has raised concerns as Medellin welcomed a record-breaking 1.4 million tourists in 2022, with over a quarter being American visitors. The city’s popularity among remote workers is expected to lead to a higher number of tourists in 2023. These incidents serve as a cautionary tale for American citizens and highlight the potential risks of international dating, particularly in countries where criminal activities are known to target tourists. It’s a reminder to exercise vigilance and caution when embracing the attractions of foreign travel.