American comedian and activist Tou Ger Xiong, 50, filmed himself joyfully participating in a large concert in Colombia just days before his tragic demise. The footage captured Xiong amidst a lively crowd at a Karol G concert in Medellín on December 3, where he enthusiastically cheered and celebrated.
A week later, Xiong, who was an Asian American residing in Minnesota, had plans for a date with a woman he met online. Unfortunately, he was attacked and kidnapped by a group of men, leading to the discovery of his body in a ravine, as reported by local newspaper El Colombiano. This incident occurred despite warnings from the US Embassy cautioning tourists against meeting individuals online.
The comedian appears to be the latest victim of a honeytrap scheme prevalent in major Colombian cities, including Medellín, where wealthy tourists are lured into dangerous situations by women they’ve met online, only to be assaulted by gangs. a large concert
The US Embassy in Bogota issued a warning over the summer about the prevalence of targeting unsuspecting individuals through online dating applications, emphasizing that foreigners are routinely singled out in bars and nightclubs as well.
Embassy officials highlighted that victims of such scams are frequently exposed to scopolamine, a dangerous sedative. Scopolamine is an odorless, tasteless substance that can block memory and induce a trance-like state in the victim. The warning serves as a cautionary note regarding the potential risks associated with online dating and socializing in certain environments, urging individuals to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety.