"U.S. Tourists in Colombia Warned of Kidnappings and Crime Wave"

A wave of "suspicious deaths" of U.S. citizens in Medellín, Colombia has raised concerns about safety for tourists, with at least eight Americans killed in November and December. The resurgence of kidnappings in Colombia, once infamous for its kidnapping industry, has been attributed to armed criminal groups seeking to extort protection "taxes" and instill fear in the community. The case of Tou Ger Xiong, a well-known Hmong comedian and activist, who was kidnapped, tortured, and killed, highlights the dangers faced by tourists in the country. The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá has warned about criminals using dating apps to lure victims, and while Medellín is considered a safe city, the increase in tourism has led to a rise in certain criminal activities.