Around 30 Georgian Citizens Have Been Captured by a Cartel in Mexico; Kidnappers Demand $90,000

Approximately 30 Georgian citizens, who attempted to travel through Mexico to reach the United States border, have been captured by a local cartel, reports "Novosti-Georgia." Relatives have indicated that the kidnappers are demanding $90,000 for the release of the hostages.

The TV channel "Mtavari" has aired a report featuring one of the missing individuals, who was allowed to contact their relatives to ask for money. They stated that they are being held in a basement along with 120 other hostages. It appears that there are also citizens from other countries among them.

Relatives have reached out for assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. The ministry has stated that they are working to obtain additional information. Through the embassy, they have made contact with Mexican immigration services. So far, the whereabouts of the Georgian citizens remain unknown.

Sources from "Pirvelie" claim that half of the ransom, amounting to $45,000, has already been transferred for the release of 15 individuals. Allegedly, negotiations are ongoing concerning the others.

An interlocutor from the TV channel, familiar with the issue, believes that there should be no hope for assistance from local authorities. They stated that the Georgian citizens have been handed over to the cartel directly by employees of the Mexican immigration services.