Zona Divas Murders: Overview and Investigation
The Zona Divas murders involved the killings of five South American women linked to the Zona Divas escort website in Mexico between 2017-2018. These Zona Divas killings exposed a human trafficking network exploiting migrant women. The murders led to investigations and resulted in a Netflix documentary titled "El Portal: La Historia Oculta de Zona Divas," which was released in September 2024. The case, also known as the Mexico escort website murders, shed light on the exploitation of vulnerable women in the sex industry.
Key facts about the Zona Divas murders
- Five South American women associated with the Zona Divas website were victims of the Zona Divas killings in Mexico between 2017 and 2018
- The Mexico escort website murders occurred in three hotels in Mexico City, revealing a pattern of violence against migrant sex workers
- Zona Divas, the platform at the center of these murders, was an online portal offering sexual services of migrant women who were victims of human trafficking
- The victims of the Zona Divas murders were identified as Kenni, Karen, Génesis, Wendy, and Andreína, all from Central America
- The Zona Divas killings highlighted the intersection of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and violence against women in Mexico
Investigation and arrests related to the Zona Divas murders
- Julio César Cortez Martínez, a former agent of the Attorney General's Office (PGR) and Federal Investigation Agency (AFI), was arrested as a suspected operator and right-hand man of Zona Divas administrators in connection with the Mexico escort website murders
- Cortez Martínez was allegedly involved in recruiting and logistics for a network trafficking both Mexican and foreign women, contributing to the circumstances that led to the Zona Divas killings
- In April 2018, the Federal Police rescued 17 women from Venezuela, Colombia, and Paraguay who were being sexually exploited through Zona Divas, as part of the broader investigation into the Zona Divas murders
- Authorities seized modern vehicles, weapons, and an undisclosed amount of money during operations related to the Mexico escort website murders case
Broader context of violence against women in Mexico
- In 2022, Mexico recorded 968 cases of feminicide, a 127% increase from 2015, highlighting the environment in which the Zona Divas murders occurred
- Approximately one in four murders of women in Mexico is classified as feminicide, a statistic that includes cases like the Zona Divas killings
- In the first quarter of 2024, Mexico registered 184 presumed feminicides, averaging two per day, demonstrating the ongoing issue of violence against women post the Zona Divas murders
- 70.1% of women in Mexico have experienced violence in their lifetime, with 39.9% from intimate partners, providing context to the vulnerability of victims in cases like the Mexico escort website murders
Netflix documentary "El Portal: La Historia Oculta de Zona Divas"
- The documentary series about the Zona Divas murders, directed by Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez, premiered on September 5, 2024
- It features testimonies from survivors Candice, Daniela, and Luna, as well as families of the victims of the Zona Divas killings
- The series aims to destigmatize victims of sex trafficking and analyze how trafficking networks operate in Mexico and Latin America, using the Mexico escort website murders as a focal point
- It highlights the lack of justice in the Zona Divas case, as main perpetrators of the Zona Divas murders remain unapprehended or charged with lesser crimes
FAQ
What were the Zona Divas murders?
The Zona Divas murders, also known as the Mexico escort website murders, involved the killings of five South American women linked to the Zona Divas escort website in Mexico between 2017 and 2018. These murders exposed a human trafficking network exploiting migrant women.
How many victims were there in the Zona Divas killings?
There were five victims in the Zona Divas killings. The victims were identified as Kenni, Karen, Génesis, Wendy, and Andreína, all from Central America.
Where did the Mexico escort website murders take place?
The Mexico escort website murders occurred in three hotels in Mexico City, revealing a pattern of violence against migrant sex workers associated with the Zona Divas website.
Who was arrested in connection with the Zona Divas murders?
Julio César Cortez Martínez, a former agent of the Attorney General's Office (PGR) and Federal Investigation Agency (AFI), was arrested as a suspected operator and right-hand man of Zona Divas administrators in connection with the Mexico escort website murders.
Is there a documentary about the Zona Divas killings?
Yes, Netflix released a documentary series titled "El Portal: La Historia Oculta de Zona Divas" on September 5, 2024. The series explores the Zona Divas murders, featuring testimonies from survivors and families of the victims, and aims to destigmatize victims of sex trafficking.
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