The gang are thought to be responsible for the murder of British national Kyle Alexander MacKenzie, 34, who was found in critical condition at a popular tourist viewpoint after disappearing a few days earlier, and died later in hospital
Colombian police say they have smashed a criminal gang accused of the murder of a British tourist which used pretty women as bait to kidnap and rob their victims.
Fourteen people including four minors have been arrested following a long-running investigation by detectives probing a wave of violent attacks on foreigners in the cities of Medellin and Cartagena. Kyle Alexander MacKenzie, 34, died in hospital in March after being found critically injured at a mountain viewpoint overlooking Medellin two days after disappearing.
Reports at the time said he was believed to have been hit over the head with the butt of a gun by muggers who stole his belongings after he hiked to the Hill of Three Crosses, which offers breathtaking views of Medellin. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed in a statement after news of his murder emerged that they were supporting the family of a British man who had died in Colombia.
Overnight Colombian police confirmed the arrests of 14 people belonging to a gang they blamed for Mr MacKenzie’s violent death who they said had been operating for two years and specialised in using women as bait to rob victims during so-called “quickie kidnaps.” Detectives said the men would arrange to meet up with attractive women through dating apps like Tinder and social media before being taken hostage after getting into minicabs driven by armed gang accomplices.