Medellín authorities have announced plans to meet with embassy representatives and dating app companies in response to the alarming deaths of many foreigners within a single week, highlighting a dangerous trend linked to online dating. The series of incidents, characterized by non-violent deaths including overdoses and accidents, has raised serious concerns over the safety of tourists and expatriates in Colombia’s second-largest city.
In one notable case, a 73-year-old US citizen died following a local ayahuasca ceremony outside of Medellin, while another American, aged 29, was found deceased in his hotel room after reportedly meeting with two women. A third case involved a 37-year-old US citizen falling from a high-rise in the affluent El Poblado neighborhood. These incidents have drawn attention to the use of drugs like scopolamine, known locally as “devil’s breath,” which has been linked to robberies and fatalities among tourists.
The spike in suspicious deaths has prompted embassies and local officials to issue warnings to foreign visitors, advising caution when using dating apps such as Tinder. The city, once notorious for its high crime rates, has become a magnet for tourists and digital nomads, attracted by its climate and culture. However, this surge in popularity has also attracted criminal elements looking to exploit unwary visitors.
Medellín’s security secretary, Manuel Villa, acknowledged the challenge posed by sexual tourism and the exploitation of dating platforms by criminals. The upcoming meetings with app providers aim to develop strategies to better protect users from being targeted by thieves and scammers.