A woman identified as Lidia Silva Cruz has been arrested in Mexico for her alleged involvement in a widespread scheme to defraud World Cup fans, with total losses approaching $1.7 million. The scam reportedly involved the sale of fake tickets and promises of VIP suites for matches.
Cruz and her boyfriend, Simon Selmen, are accused of meeting a couple on May 22 in Coacalco, Mexico, after offering them coveted tickets to the World Cup opener scheduled for June 11. According to reports, instead of providing tickets, the pair allegedly abducted the victims at gunpoint and stole $4,600. This incident is believed to be part of a larger operation that defrauded fans of nearly $870,000.
Another alleged scammer, Edgar Ramirez, is reportedly still at large after authorities stated he sold approximately $870,000 worth of counterfeit tickets. Ramirez is accused of selling over 60 fake tickets for the Mexico-South Africa game. He allegedly failed to meet the buyers outside the stadium on the day of the match, reportedly claiming his mother had died before ceasing communication.
Ramirez's wife, Areli Nava, is said to have reported him missing prior to the game. Authorities indicated that Ramirez claimed to have access to tickets through a sponsor and instructed buyers to meet him outside the stadium at 10 a.m., advising them to wear specific attire: black t-shirts, light-colored jeans, and white sneakers.
Carlos Jimenez, a Mexican journalist, brought attention to the case by sharing details and arrest footage. The State of Mexico Attorney General's Office has been contacted for comment regarding the ongoing investigation. Lidia Silva Cruz was apprehended in Tlalnepantla de Baz, near Mexico City.