Mexican authorities are investigating an alleged scam involving a Canadian couple, Cindy Thompson and Glenn Brown, from Curve Lake, Ontario, who lost their retirement savings in Quintana Roo. The couple sent $280,000 Canadian dollars to a company co-owned by a British and Mexican national, promising high returns on a condo investment in Playa del Carmen that never materialized.
Thompson and Brown’s funds disappeared, leaving their retirement plans in ruins. Despite hiring a local lawyer and filing a criminal complaint, progress in the case stalled until CBC News brought it to the attention of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Following this, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama’s administration took on the investigation, led by Rogelio Estrada Heleria, the state deputy prosecutor for the central district.
The incident dates back to late 2024 when Thompson discovered XMEX Investments, run by British national Harry Robinson, while researching real estate investments in Mexico. Robinson, who touts expertise in wealth building and real estate, declined an interview with CBC News citing ongoing legal matters in Mexico.
Thompson found properties on XMEX’s site listed well below market value and engaged with Robinson, assuming he was a legitimate businessman. She met Robinson and his business partner, Mexican national Jacqueline Herrera Herrera, in Playa del Carmen. Herrera offered a one-bedroom condo in the Taak Maya building, which Thompson intended to sell eventually.
Thompson sent $170,000 in two installments to purchase the condo, expecting keys within months. However, the keys never arrived, and subsequent promises of a profitable condo flip scheme involving seven units failed to materialize. The couple’s money vanished, leading to a series of false assurances and excuses from Robinson and Herrera.
Real estate scams cost Mexico an estimated $48 million annually, prompting efforts by Quintana Roo authorities to regulate the industry more strictly. Industry experts emphasize the importance of dealing with trusted professionals to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
The unfortunate ordeal has left Thompson and Brown devastated, feeling angry and deceived. Despite Robinson filing a complaint against Herrera and claiming he was also a victim, the couple’s criminal complaint implicates both individuals in the fraudulent scheme.