American comedian and activist Tou Ger Xiong filmed himself partying happily at a huge concert in Colombia just days before his body was found after going on a date with a woman he met online — something the US Embassy has warned tourists about.
Xiong, 50, an Asian American who lives in Minnesota, was all smiles on December 3 when he filmed himself among the raucous crowd attending Karol G’s much-anticipated concert in Medellín.
The comedian screamed and cheered as he was surrounded by fireworks, smoke and lasers, with the crowd roaring as the Latin Grammy winner could be heard singing on stage and wishing his fans “joy.”
A week later, Xiong planned to go on a date with a mysterious woman he met on social media, but he was instead attacked and kidnapped by a group of men, with his body found in a ravine, according to local newspaper El Colombiano.
The comedian appears to be the latest victim of a honey trap scheme rampant in major Colombian cities, including Medellín, where wealthy tourists are lured into dangerous situations by women they meet online, only to be attacked by gangs.
Tou Ger Xiong, 50, cheered as she was surrounded by fireworks and lasers at Karol G’s big concert in Colombia. Facebook / Tou Ger Xiong The crowd roared as the singer told all his fans “to be happy.” Facebook / Tou Ger Xiong
“One of the most popular methods of targeting unsuspecting individuals is through online dating apps,” the US Embassy in Bogota said in a warning over the summer.
“Strangers are routinely targeted through online dating apps or in bars and nightclubs.”
According to embassy officials, victims of such scams are often given a dangerous sedative known as scopolamine — an odorless, tasteless, memory-blocking substance that puts the victim in a trance-like state.
Xiong appears to be the latest victim of a honey trap scheme targeting wealthy tourists in Colombia’s major cities. Tou Ger Xiong / Facebook The beloved Minnesota comedian went to see a woman he connected with online on Dec. 10. Tou Ger Xiong / Facebook
The drug can be hidden in food and drink and can leave the victim unconscious for up to 24 hours.
It is unclear whether the substance was found in Xiong’s body, as his grieving brother Eh is working with US Embassy officials to bring his younger brother back to Minnesota. He added that a suspect has already been arrested.
Eh and a friend last heard from Xiong on the day of the kidnapping, at about 7pm local time, when 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. CBS
Xiong also told his friend, who filed a police report, that he was “held at gunpoint,” according to KSTP.
Hours earlier, police were at the apartment where Xiong lived because a woman took items from the residence and fled before police could arrest her, officials told the outlet.
Xiong’s body was eventually found lying in La Corcovado gorge with more than a dozen stab wounds and multiple bruises from falling more than 60 feet, according to El Colombiano.
Local law enforcement confirmed the suspect killed Xiong before the payment was made, and an investigation was opened to determine whether Xiong’s death was the result of an escape attempt.
Xiong called his brother and a friend, and men were heard on the line demanding $2,000. Tou Ger Xiong / Facebook
Xiong’s case is similar to the death of another Asian American tourist who traveled to Colombia to attend a concert by another of Latin America’s biggest stars.
Last year, California-based logistics consultant Paul Nguyen, 27, went to Medellín on vacation and to see a Bad Bunny concert when he was on Tinder and matched with a woman.
His body was found next to a garbage dump, with police finding evidence of the sedative used to knock him unconscious and rob him, Vice reported.
Xiong is also an outspoken advocate 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 the robbery set up through a dating app.
Xiong’s killing marked the 27th violent death of a nonimmigrant foreign national this year in Colombia’s Aburra Valley, according to the Medellín District Office.
Antioquia, the state where Medellin is located, has seen kidnappings increase by 88% in 2003, according to the National Police. At least 49 cases were reported as of Oct 31.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
