Two individuals are accused of defrauding World Cup fans of nearly $1.7 million in fraudulent ticket sales, with authorities reporting one suspect held a customer at gunpoint. The alleged scam targeted desperate fans seeking tickets for the June 11 tournament opener in Mexico City.
Lidia Silvia Cruz was arrested in Tlalnepantla de Baz, north of Mexico City, in connection with the scheme. Authorities allege that Cruz and her boyfriend, Simón Selmen, who remains at large, defrauded fans of approximately $870,000. According to reports, the pair met with a couple on May 22 at a bank in Coacalco, instructed them to enter a car, and then allegedly threatened them with a gun before stealing $4,600.
Another suspect, Edgar Ramírez, is also being sought by authorities. He is accused of selling nearly the same amount, $870,000, in tickets for the Mexican national team's opening game at Estadio Azteca. Ramírez reportedly sold more than 60 tickets but failed to deliver them to fans, at times claiming his mother had died. He stopped responding to messages as the match approached.
Ramírez's wife, Areli Nava, reported him missing on June 8. He reappeared on the day of the game, promising 50 customers that he would meet them outside the stadium, but he never appeared. Ramírez claimed to have access to the tickets through a sponsor.
One fan recounted the instructions given by Ramírez: "He asked us to wear a black T-shirt, light-colored jeans, and white sneakers, and told us to meet at the door at 10 a.m."
The State of Mexico Attorney General’s Office has not yet responded to requests for comment.