BajaNomad - I was roobed by the Mexicali Police July 11th

I was roobed by the Mexicali Police July 11th

Bob and Susan - 7-12-2024 at 02:35 PM

I was robbed yesterday July 11th by a team of 3 Mexicali Poliice.
They “Lit me up” a few minutes after I crossed the border heading south.

I was told it was a “normal gun and drug check”.
They had me show my license and registration and get out and stand at the rear of the truck to ask me a few questions.

I opened the passenger door to get the registration out of the glove box.
While I was talking to the “lead cop” the lady cop looked in the front… its was fast…maybe 3 min before I went up to watch her go thru the stuff. In that time she got into my computer bag got some emergency money I had in a black bag all zipped up… She took it then zipped it all back up.

I got to the front to watch her as she started “the official” search.
Abut 5 minutes more and they said all was good and drove off.

They stole my emergency cash,
Very fast professional thieves,

I am probably lucky they found the cash and didn’t plant a weapon or drugs to extort me.

Be careful…I travel up and down baja many times a year and this is the first time I’ve been robbed.
Bob Frambes

mtgoat666 - 7-12-2024 at 03:01 PM

Sorry to hear that. The mexicali cops have been committing crimes for past several years on the stretch of southbound road immediately south of mexicali west xing.
I have been pulled over twice for scam traffic violations in the first block or two south of the border.
Mexicali govt is corrupt to the core -- the cops have been doing this forever if local govt wanted to stop the crimes, they have had many years to do so.

The only way to beat the cops is (1) cross during daylight, (2) pull over near pedestrians or in a business parking lot, (3) video the cops, and tell the cops they are on video, and (4) be firm and confident in response to cops -- the cops are looking for people to be scared and roll over.
Also, never let a cop or military near your unlocked vehicle when you are not watching them.

[Edited on 7-12-2024 by mtgoat666]

JDCanuck - 7-12-2024 at 03:57 PM

Man...and no way to prove this i guess. We were told to go to the Government office to report scams like this. Does that help at all?

Bob and Susan - 7-12-2024 at 05:01 PM

I'll write the gov this weekend I think thats about all i can do at this point

I'm a businessman in BCS for 20 yrs now

Police corruption is unacceptable

I really think it could have been much worse if the corrupt cops had "planted" something while searching

Its always bad when you are taken advantage of

David K - 7-13-2024 at 07:39 AM

That is terrible Bob. Thanks for sharing.

Twenty-odd years ago, we rescued Mexicali Police's Lieutenant Miranda's Cherokee from incoming tide in Laguna Percebu. He was so greatful and told us if we ever had a problem with Mexicali policemen, use his name.
Who knows what his rank is today or if he is still with the police?

[Edited on 7-13-2024 by David K]

Tioloco - 7-13-2024 at 07:58 AM

Sorry to hear that. That is extremely frustrating.

woody with a view - 7-13-2024 at 08:31 AM

How about velco-ing something like this inside tour rig? Get lit up and turn it on continuous recording using your phone’s cellular hotspot. 150 degree viewing angle. Not alot of info out there for this purpose but seems like it should work.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTYB76JF/ref=vp_m_vp_dp_m_dex_ai...

[Edited on 7-13-2024 by woody with a view]

Bob and Susan - 7-13-2024 at 09:26 AM

here is the problem other people had...

if they dont find anything they can plant a problem

like a pocket knife or a "reefer" to extort the tourist

these are professional bandits they come prepared

i wrote a letter to the governor... we'll see if she responds

Shame

akmaxx - 7-13-2024 at 10:43 AM

Sorry to hear this from a very seasoned inhabitant of BCS. Post this on FB, Voice of Loreto, La Paz Gringos, All Things Cabo, Talk Baja, Mulege News, Mulege News Feed, IOverlander, any and all noticias sites. They hate the exposure and many eyeballs lead to clicks going viral. If enough folks b-tch they will be caught eventually.

Truly sucks and I suspect you are considering cameras in vehicle now.

Glad you are back at the beach and hope you can get to relaxing now.

Maderita - 7-13-2024 at 12:53 PM

Bob and Susan,
The only government entity that is likely to care is the Secretary of Tourism for BC. I believe the agency used to be called the Ministry of Tourism. Filing reports with them may have some beneficial impact.

Many years ago they were influential in the coastal tourist areas from Tijuana to Ensenada. It is bad for business to have police extorting bribes from tourists and harmful to the reputation of tourist destinations. An acquaintance, who is a department official, discussed how they work with businesses and local governments to keep the police in check.

Mexicali is not so dependent upon tourism, particularly in July - 120F there last week! I'm skeptical that any agency can exert control over the police in the BC State capitol.

Here is the link for reporting to the Secretary of Tourism for BC.
https://bajacalifornia.travel/assistance-078/

AUTHORITY ABUSE
If you feel you have been mistreated by any public official or authority applying the law, you can file a complaint with the State Secretariat of Tourism of Baja California. Please be sure to get the name of the person, agency, license and / or identification card number or patrol car as well as the place and time of the incident to report it immediately to our Toll Free Number Travel Information & Assistance 078 or the following email: assistance@baja.gob.mx

For Mexicali reporting:
Tel. (686) 566-1277 y 566-1116.
egmoreno@baja.gob.mx

mtgoat666 - 7-13-2024 at 02:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

I'll write the gov this weekend I think thats about all i can do at this point

I'm a businessman in BCS for 20 yrs now

Police corruption is unacceptable

I really think it could have been much worse if the corrupt cops had "planted" something while searching

Its always bad when you are taken advantage of

File your complaint everywhere. Cut and paste your story and complaint everywhere.
Here is mexicali sindicatura https://sindicaturamexicali.info/
Post the cops name and picture and your story on facebook talk baja and various mexicali FB pages.

SFandH - 7-13-2024 at 02:57 PM

https://bajacalifornia.travel/es/asistencia-al-turista-078/

"If you feel that you have been mistreated by any public official or law enforcement authority, you may file a complaint with the Baja California State Tourism Secretariat. Please be sure to obtain the name of the person, agency, license plate and/or identification card or patrol car number, as well as the place and time of the incident in order to immediately report it to our Tourist Information and Assistance Line 078 or to the following email: assistance@baja.gob.mx"

surabi - 7-13-2024 at 03:18 PM

That's awful and inexusable and you should definitely report it to the tourism secretariat. I would also report it to the US consulate in Tijuana. The consulates can exert pressure on the local Mex. govts. to deal appropriately with this crap.

I would never keep emergency cash in my vehicle- it's much safer to keep cash on your person. Not just for situations like this, but if you park somewhere and your car is broken into. And many travelers, all over the world, have had the experience of having money stolen from their hotel room or Airbnb.

mtgoat666 - 7-13-2024 at 03:27 PM

I am all for reporting crimes committed by law enforcement. Nothing will change unless you report it and make a stink.
That said, mexican popo have been committing crimes against tourists forever, many thousands of complaints have been filed… they commit crimes with impunity, and i doubt MORE complaints will change things….
I do think social media has power to change things - video and picture and names posted to the internet is the best way to fight institutionalized crime organizations like the mexicali popo

advrider - 7-14-2024 at 08:08 AM

I will probably install a camera before my next trip and use my cell phone if I'm stopped. Never had a problem on my moto but I posted about being shaken down in November in route to the 1K start. I didn't give in and was let go, but having a team work you over is hard spot to be in.

We did a Cabo ride in April and a seventeen-year-old kid in our group took a wrong turn and by the time we found him a Tecate cop had taken the $300 dollars he had for going down a street the wrong way! The story is more involved but the gist is he went 50 feet the wrong way and turned around when he realized it, but it was to late. Local cop got him and pulled him down a side street and robbed him.

[Edited on 7-14-2024 by advrider]

Lee - 7-14-2024 at 09:00 AM

How much did you lose? $50? $500?

Assume that you're a seasoned traveler, but don't know for sure. If you are, but have never had a scam pulled, were you thinking that a computer bag was a safe place for cash?

There's a lesson from this experience. Wondering if you got it?

pacificobob - 7-14-2024 at 10:38 AM

My question too Lee. Valuable stuff, passport, cash. Credit cards stay in my front pocket.
I've traveled to 57 countries, never robbed.

cupcake - 7-14-2024 at 01:29 PM

Sorry to read of your bad experience, Bob and Susan.

Without any way to prove what happened, it is your word against theirs. And, people do sometimes lie about cops (I saw a tv show once dedicated to this, people lying blatantly about what cops had done to them, then the police video showing what really happened. One instance was a woman accusing an officer of fondling her, but the video showed there was no physical contact at all). Don't get me wrong, I have no doubt about what you have reported being true and accurate. However, the cops will say something like: if you really did loose any money, your wife took it, the kids got it, the dog ate it, etc.

[Edited on 7-14-2024 by cupcake]

JDCanuck - 7-14-2024 at 04:45 PM

If crooked police are intent on scamming or stealing from you, they will find a way. I agree with Bob, he was lucky they were bought off by stealing a bit of cash and not planting incriminating items to threaten to charge them with. Might be a good idea actually. Plant a bit of spare cash to get out as unmolested as possible.

The only real solution to this is to get the government to get serious about charging, shaming and firing the dirty cops. The vast majority of citizens I have met are extremely embarrassed by the corruption they know exists in their country and would be the first to support this.

[Edited on 7-14-2024 by JDCanuck]

mrbogo - 7-15-2024 at 04:18 AM

Corruption is an unfortunate reality in some places. There were so many instances where those Mexicali cops were committing crimes. But sadly, you can't do anything.

Doug/Vamonos - 7-16-2024 at 08:06 AM

Hey. Same exact thing happened to me a couple months ago. A team of a young good looking male cop who is very chatty and his female partner. He wears a bunch of gun magazines across his chest as if he is Rambo. He initially is very friendly and talks up a storm. His partner is a woman who at first acted afraid of my two dogs. He pulled me over saying he was concerned I was ok and claimed I was moving around in the lane. Of course I wasn't. He asked if his lady partner could search my truck. I said ok. What else would I say? Then she acts all scared of my two dogs which were secured with leashes in the back seat. In hindsight it was all a show to make me think she was an innocent little scared thing. In reality she was a total thief. He then asked me to get out and move to the back of my truck where he proceeded to chat me up more and frisk me. The entire time he was taking all my concentration so I wasn't seeing what she was doing. She found my cash. Took half of it, about $500, which I didn't notice till several minutes after we parted way.

I sent a message to Mexicali PD FB page and said eff u to all of them.

Then last month I'm crossing southbound again and immediately get pulled over by two policia cars. At first I didn't recognize the guy with the gun magazines. But then I'm telling the other guy about being ripped off by his cohorts a couple months ago. He immediately starts yelling at me that not all cops are bad. All our conversations were in Spanish. Yeah, right. Then why did he pull me over? So I'm looking in my mirror and I see a woman get out of the second car. I point and say she's the one! She looks at me and immediately gets back into the car. The lead cop tells me how do I know it was her. I pointedly asked him how many female patrol cops work for his agency. Of course very few. He knew exactly what she was up to.We yelled some more and they told me to move along. Obviously they knew I was onto their game. Pieces of dump.

I felt totally stupid for not hiding my cash better. And I should have refused to leave the truck until she was done with her "search". Lesson learned.

[Edited on 7-16-2024 by Doug/Vamonos]

[Edited on 7-16-2024 by Doug/Vamonos]

[Edited on 7-16-2024 by Doug/Vamonos]

[Edited on 7-16-2024 by Doug/Vamonos]

[Edited on 7-19-2024 by Doug/Vamonos]

surabi - 7-16-2024 at 09:23 AM

I'm curious as to why people would carry $1000US cash with them, especially when travelling in areas where corruption is known to be rampant or where you know there are inspection points.

I understand having an emergency cash stash, but $1000US is a lot of money, certainly seems like overkill if for some reason you couldn't get to an ATM to withdraw $ or the machine was out of cash, etc.considering that much money in Mexico could get you a hotel room, meals and gas for at least 2 or 3 days and probably more if you weren't being extravagant.

[Edited on 7-16-2024 by surabi]

Tioloco - 7-16-2024 at 10:01 AM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi

I'm curious as to why people would carry $1000US cash with them, especially when travelling in areas where corruption is known to be rampant or where you know there are inspection points.

I understand having an emergency cash stash, but $1000US is a lot of money, certainly seems like overkill if for some reason you couldn't get to an ATM to withdraw $ or the machine was out of cash, etc.considering that much money in Mexico could get you a hotel room, meals and gas for at least 2 or 3 days and probably more if you weren't being extravagant.

[Edited on 7-16-2024 by surabi]

NO. It is NOT. And I believe the OP runs a business in Baja Sur

surabi - 7-16-2024 at 10:40 AM

If someone runs a business in Mexico, they have a Mexican bank account and a debit card for the account. Nothing about running a business in Mexico necessitates carrying $1000US on you.

And of course if you choose to stay in a $300/night hotel room, eat full course meals in upscale retaurants and drive for 12 hrs a day, $1000 might not last you for 2 days, but if for some reason a traveller found themselves in an emergency cash situation, one would assume they would choose less expensive options.

[Edited on 7-16-2024 by surabi]

cupcake - 7-16-2024 at 12:16 PM

One thousand dollars cash for me is next to nothing. If I go below that amount I start to feel in danger of being out of money. I've not yet used a plastic card in Mexico; haven't needed to.

surabi - 7-16-2024 at 12:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by cupcake

One thousand dollars cash for me is next to nothing. If I go below that amount I start to feel in danger of being out of money. I've not yet used a plastic card in Mexico; haven't needed to.

Well, of course a thousand dollars cash is nothing if you only travel with cash and don't use ATMs or pay with debit or credit cards.

But that's not what I'm talking about. We were talking about "emergency" cash. Most people don't travel with all the cash they will need for their travels- they withdraw $ from ATMs and pay for things like hotels or a nice restaurant meal with plastic, specifically to lessen the risk of getting robbed of a lot of money.

[Edited on 7-16-2024 by surabi]

[Edited on 7-16-2024 by surabi]

mtgoat666 - 7-16-2024 at 01:28 PM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi

Quote: Originally posted by cupcake

One thousand dollars cash for me is next to nothing. If I go below that amount I start to feel in danger of being out of money. I've not yet used a plastic card in Mexico; haven't needed to.

I usually carry cash in baja. Partly from habit due to being burned by CC fraud. Partly because visiting off grid locations where cc payments sometimes not taken.
I always hide my cash well, it is not findable unless you really dig deep… military and cops don't dig very deeply or thoroughly…

Some of you say cc is easier now, and less fraud. Perhaps so. I just find that even 1 cancelled card is a PITA, especially when traveling away from home.

Tioloco - 7-16-2024 at 02:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by surabi

Quote: Originally posted by cupcake

One thousand dollars cash for me is next to nothing. If I go below that amount I start to feel in danger of being out of money. I've not yet used a plastic card in Mexico; haven't needed to.

Makes sense goat.

mjs - 7-16-2024 at 07:43 PM

$1000 cash is what it takes to get an ambulance ride from San Felipe to Calexico. So as for an emergency amount not excessive.

We've traveled in a lot of 3rd world countries in Asia and the Americas. Having enough cash to get your a$$ out of trouble is just part of good trip preparation.

As for Mexicali, I've been stopped a number of times. Not leaving one alone to go through the vehicle (having a passenger helps) and not paying for a "traffic" ticket. Having a visible dash cam seems to help. YMMV

surabi - 7-16-2024 at 11:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

A little different for me as I live in Mexico 10 months a year and have a Mexican bank account as well as a Canadian one. So I have 2 debit cards. Aside from getting my wallet stolen once, and the thieves immediately charging $800 on the Canadian card (which after a few weeks was refunded to my account by their fraud dept.), I've never had any problems using an ATM to withdraw cash. I do always use ATMs attached to brick and mortar banks, not free-standing ones.

And I pay for lots of on-site purchases with my Mex. debit card.

I never use my Canadian CC in Mexico. But the most common way CC fraud happens is if you let an employee take it out of your sight to run it through the machine. Always have them let you swipe or inject your card yourself and enter the pin, making sure they aren't watching.

Yes, it's definitely a drag if a debit or credit card has to be cancelled because it was compromised, lost, or stolen. When I got mine stolen, I was able to replace the Mex. one right away, but the Canadian one was a big hassle. Mostly because the agent I talked to on the phone assured me I'd still be able to do online banking even if the card was cancelled, which turned out not to be true.

[Edited on 7-17-2024 by surabi]

Tioloco - 7-17-2024 at 06:52 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mjs

$1000 cash is what it takes to get an ambulance ride from San Felipe to Calexico. So as for an emergency amount not excessive.

We've traveled in a lot of 3rd world countries in Asia and the Americas. Having enough cash to get your a$$ out of trouble is just part of good trip preparation.

As for Mexicali, I've been stopped a number of times. Not leaving one alone to go through the vehicle (having a passenger helps) and not paying for a "traffic" ticket. Having a visible dash cam seems to help. YMMV

good points

baja-chris - 7-17-2024 at 09:07 AM

I had an ATM in Calimax San Felipe tell me unable to communicate with my bank after requesting 5000 pesos. No cash dispensed. But the amount got debited from my bank and they refused to refund it. This was Chime bank which I was using for Baja ATM cash because no foreign transaction fees. Well, Chime are crooks in my book. Never using that bank again. I don't know what to do. The crime and corruption are so bad now. Get shook down or robbed of cash by the local corrupt cops or risk fraud by using ATM's and credit cards in Mexico. Twice I've had to cancel my credit card after fraudulent charges after Mexican use. Add that to the dangerous state of the roads. Its enough to make me seriously consider selling the house down there.

cupcake - 7-17-2024 at 10:31 AM

Decided to post my not-too-long-ago 'Mexican Cop Experience'.

In 2019, I was on the bus, going from Hermosillo to Tijuana, can't remember exactly where, but well into the trip (up north hugging the international border), the bus stopped for a police check point. A single cop boards the bus and slowly makes his way down the aisle, questioning people as he goes. He gets to me and without any warning grabs my money belt through my clothes and says "what's this?" "Just cash" I say. He says "how much, $5,000?" No says I, only $2,000. Thinking I was about to loose roughly $2,800US, the cop then says "that's ok" and without even looking at my stash he moves on to the next passenger. Whew!

[Edited on 7-17-2024 by cupcake]

AKgringo - 7-17-2024 at 10:40 AM

Quote: Originally posted by cupcake

Decided to post my not-too-long-ago 'Mexican Cop Experience'.'

About the time you took your bus ride, I remember reading a news article about Narcos using mules to not only transport drugs north, but they were also using different mules to smuggle cash south to avoid any record of financial transactions.

Doug/Vamonos - 7-19-2024 at 08:26 AM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi

Quote: Originally posted by cupcake

One thousand dollars cash for me is next to nothing. If I go below that amount I start to feel in danger of being out of money. I've not yet used a plastic card in Mexico; haven't needed to.

Please...enough with the commentary on how much cash we do or do not carry. You have NO idea what you are talking about and it is simply none of your business. Have you ever had a vehicle break down in a small town or between towns in the desert? Do you think it is a wise idea to have enough cash to get yourself out of an emergency like that. Enough.

Lee - 7-19-2024 at 01:07 PM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi

But that's not what I'm talking about. We were talking about "emergency" cash. Most people don't travel with all the cash they will need for their travels- they withdraw $ from ATMs and pay for things like hotels or a nice restaurant meal with plastic, specifically to lessen the risk of getting robbed of a lot of money.

No one has defined ''emergency cash'' yet. Guilty of carrying large amounts of cash NOB and SOB. SOB I wear blue tactical pants, 8 pockets, 2 below the knees are all but invisible. Money is distributed over 8 pockets, shoes, plus money belt.

''Most people''? Don't think you really know how much most travelers have on them but wild guesses are allowed. I feel safer with money on me along with my spring-assisted knife (carried in my sock in towns).

BTW, Canada says my knife is illegal. If they found I had hidden it while crossing, they'd arrest me and prob give me a 10 year ban. Phooey.

BTW, money is always on me.

Carry on.

Tioloco - 7-19-2024 at 02:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Lee

Quote: Originally posted by surabi

Correct.

chippy - 7-19-2024 at 02:35 PM

you all forget that surabi is a canook :light:

. nuff said.

mtgoat666 - 7-19-2024 at 02:48 PM

In the olden days i traveled all over the world carrying only cash and travelers checks. I think i had a credit card, but i don’t remember using it.
Now we got people who are anti-cash and think they can travel the world on a debit card. Some goofball shops in usa and europe even refuse cash transactions?
What’ya gonna do after trump starts nuclear war, internet crashes for foreseeable future and you got no cash?
If you are a prepper, perhaps you already carry gold or cash?