Key facts
- Two Chinese football fans were robbed at gunpoint shortly after arriving in Mexico for the World Cup.
- The incident occurred near Mexico City International Airport.
- Robbers took passports, cash, watches, and laptops from the fans.
- One suspect has been arrested.
- The victims returned to China after less than 48 hours in Mexico.
- The Chinese embassy is working with Mexican authorities on the case.
Two Chinese football fans were robbed at gunpoint shortly after arriving in Mexico to attend the World Cup. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, about a kilometer from Mexico City International Airport, just half an hour after their arrival. Two masked individuals on a motorcycle held up their car, stealing valuables including passports, cash, and watches. One of the victims, identified as Wang, sustained a red mark on his forehead from the gun. He expressed a desire to never return to Mexico, stating that China is safer.
The victims contacted the police and the Chinese embassy's consular protection hotline. The Chinese embassy confirmed it had been in touch with the fans and provided replacement travel documents. The embassy also issued a statement, expressing concern to Mexican authorities and demanding efforts to solve the case and protect Chinese citizens' rights.
One suspect has been arrested in connection with the robbery. The two fans returned to China on Friday, having spent less than 48 hours in the country. Separately, a reporter for the Daily Mail, Charlotte Daly, also reported being robbed in broad daylight in Mexico City on the eve of the tournament, highlighting broader security concerns during the World Cup. She also described difficulties with transportation to the stadium and clashes between police and protestors outside the Azteca Stadium.