Federal investigation exposes child sexual exploitation network in Puerto Vallarta, Digi Mart USA News (Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico): A federal investigation that included intelligence work and surveillance led to the discovery of an alleged human trafficking network for sexual exploitation operating in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. According to information released by the Attorney General’s Office of Mexico (FGR), the network allegedly used spa services as a front to contact its clients.
The actions were led by the Federal Public Ministry and the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for human trafficking, following months of investigation into the activities of the alleged criminal organization. Authorities located a property in the Díaz Ordaz neighborhood, where an intervention was carried out that led to the detention of the alleged leader and the rescue of the victims.
Investigators indicated that the organization allegedly used spa treatment services to establish contact with clients, mainly foreigners, although it also reportedly served Mexican nationals. The scheme would have facilitated sexual exploitation in one of Jalisco’s main tourist destinations, where the presence of domestic and international visitors represents significant economic activity.
The operation rescued 14 victims and led to the detention of Ruth Ávila Soriano, known as “Baby Ruth”, who is identified as the alleged leader of the organization. As a precautionary measure, she was placed in pretrial detention, and a four-month period was set for the complementary investigation.
In addition to the detention of the alleged leader, authorities carried out searches of three other residences linked to the case, two of which were secured due to their possible connection to the events under investigation. The case once again highlights the mechanisms trafficking networks use to operate in tourist destinations and the importance of intelligence investigations in identifying and dismantling structures dedicated to exploiting people.
