In recent months, the city of Medellín in Colombia has witnessed a significant increase in the number of suspicious deaths and kidnappings involving United States citizens. The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá has reported at least eight such incidents in November and December alone. While the incidents appear largely unrelated, they share similar circumstances, often involving criminals using dating apps to lure victims to public places before robbing or even killing them.

The latest case to capture international attention is the tragic death of Tou Ger Xiong, a renowned Hmong comedian and activist from Minnesota. Tou Ger, 50, was held for ransom, brutally beaten and stabbed, and then thrown off a cliff in one of Medellín's most dangerous areas. His body was discovered on December 11, leaving his grieving brother, Eh Xiong, to travel from Minnesota to Colombia in search of answers.

Last week, four individuals were apprehended and charged in connection with Tou Ger's kidnapping and murder. The arrests shed light on a disturbing trend targeting tourists in Medellín. The U.S. Embassy has issued a warning, cautioning U.S. citizens visiting Colombia about the risks of meeting strangers through dating apps, as criminals often use these platforms to lure victims before attacking and robbing them.

While authorities assert that Medellín is generally a safe city, they acknowledge that the rising number of tourists has given rise to certain criminal activities. The 2016 peace accords with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) prompted the country to promote previously unsafe areas as tourist destinations, attracting a flood of foreigners. In an effort to further encourage tourism and expatriate living, the Colombian government has introduced "digital nomad" visas.

However, as armed groups have gained control in regions previously occupied by the FARC, kidnappings have seen a resurgence. According to police figures, the number of kidnappings in Colombia last year rose to 287, a figure not seen since 2014. Criminal organizations, seeking to diversify their income sources and instill fear in the community, are resorting to extorting protection "taxes" and carrying out kidnappings as part of organized networks of control.

The case of Tou Ger Xiong highlights the devastating consequences of these criminal acts. Tou Ger, an enthusiastic traveler, visited Colombia regularly and had rented an apartment in Medellín's popular El Poblado neighborhood. As a prominent figure within the Hmong community in the United States, Tou Ger used his talent for comedy, storytelling, and rap to challenge stereotypes and foster connections.

Tragically, Tou Ger's last communication with his brother was a desperate plea for financial assistance, citing a troubling situation. His roommate filed a missing-person report when he failed to return home, and an anonymous tip ultimately led police to his lifeless body near a creek. Investigations revealed that Tou Ger had contacted a friend in Minnesota, expressing being held against his will.

Four individuals have been charged in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Tou Ger Xiong, including Sharit Gisela Mejía, a 19-year-old woman whom investigators believe had been dating Tou Ger with the intention of stealing money from him. The alleged involvement of criminal organizations and the subsequent arrests of individuals with prior criminal records highlights the complexities of these cases.

The rising number of incidents targeting U.S. citizens in Medellín is causing concern among tourists and raising questions about the city's safety. This resurgence in kidnappings serves as a stark reminder that Colombia's past struggles with kidnapping have not been fully overcome, and further efforts are needed to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.