American comedian and activist Tou Ger Xiong filmed himself happily partying at a big concert in Colombia just days before his body was discovered after going on a date with a woman he met online, something the US Embassy is against warned tourists.
Xiong, 50, an Asian-American who lives in Minnesota, was all smiles on Dec. 3 as he filmed himself among the bustling crowd attending a highly anticipated Karol G concert in Medellin.
The comedian screamed and cheered while surrounded by fireworks, smoke and lasers, with the crowd roaring as the Latin Grammy winner could be heard singing on stage and wishing her fans “to be happy.”
A week later, Xiong had plans to go on a date with a mysterious woman he met on social media, but instead he was attacked and kidnapped by a group of men, and his body was found in a ravine, according to local newspaper El Colombiano. .
The comedian appears to be the latest victim of a cheating scheme prevalent in major Colombian cities, including Medellín, where wealthy tourists are lured into dangerous situations by women they met online, only to be assaulted by gangs.
Tou Ger Xiong, 50, cheered while surrounded by fireworks and lasers at a big Karol G concert in Colombia. Facebook / Tou Ger Xiong The crowd roared as the singer told all of her fans to “be happy.” Facebook / Tou Ger Xiong
“One of the most popular methods of attacking unsuspecting people is through online dating apps,” the US Embassy in Bogotá said in a warning over the summer.
“Foreigners are routinely attacked through online dating apps or in bars and clubs.”
According to embassy officials, victims of these types of scams are often drugged with the dangerous sedative known as scopolamine, an odorless, tasteless substance that blocks memory and puts the victim in a trance-like state.
Xiong appeared to be the latest victim of entrapment schemes targeting wealthy tourists in major Colombian cities. Tou Ger Xiong / Facebook The beloved Minnesota comedian left to meet up with a woman he connected with online on December 10. Tou Ger Xiong / Facebook
The drug can be hidden in food and drinks and can leave the victim unconscious for up to 24 hours.
It is unclear if the substance was found on Xiong’s body, as his grieving brother Eh is currently working with U.S. Embassy officials to bring his brother back to Minnesota. He added that a suspect has already been detained.
Eh and a friend had last heard from Xiong on the day of the kidnapping, around 7 pm local time, where the men demanded they hand over $2,000 in cash for the comedian’s release.
Xiong’s body was found in a ravine with multiple stab wounds. C.B.S.
Xiong also told his friend, who filed the police report, that he was “being held at gunpoint,” according to KSTP.
Hours earlier, police were at the apartment where Xiong was staying because a woman was removing items from the residence and ran before police could arrest her, officials told the outlet.
Xiong’s body was eventually found lying in the La Corcovado ravine with more than a dozen stab wounds and multiple bruises caused by an apparent fall from more than 60 feet, according to El Colombiano.
Local authorities confirmed that the suspects murdered Xiong before the payment was made, and an investigation was opened to determine whether Xiong’s death was due to an escape attempt.
Xiong called his brother and a friend, and men on the line were heard demanding $2,000. Tou Ger Xiong / Facebook
Xiong’s case is eerily similar to the death of another Asian-American tourist who traveled to Colombia to attend the concert of another of Latin America’s biggest stars.
Last year, California-based logistics consultant Paul Nguyen, 27, traveled to Medellin on vacation and to see a Bad Bunny concert when he logged on Tinder and matched with a woman.
His body was found next to a dumpster, and police found evidence of a sedative used to render him unconscious and rob him, Vice reported.
Xiong was also an advocate who spoke out against racial discrimination. Tou Ger Xiong / Facebook
Police later arrested Evelyn Henao Herrera, who was accused of working with two gang members who allegedly carried out organized robberies through dating apps.
Xiong’s murder marks the 27th violent death of a non-migrant foreigner this year in Colombia’s Aburra Valley, according to the Medellin District Office.
Antioquia, the state where Medellín is located, has seen kidnappings increase by 88% in 2003, according to the National Police. At least 49 cases were reported as of October 31.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn