Phony cab drivers mug tourists in Venezuela

A research study conducted by Stratfor Agency laid bare a new modus operandi to rob foreign tourists and businesspeople arriving at the Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia. “Many foreigners are persuaded to hop into gypsy taxis only to be mugged on their way to Caracas,” said Alvaro Montenegro, chairman of Venezuela’s Higher Tourism Council.

A month ago, the Venezuelan-American Chamber of Commerce warned its associates on “sophisticated gangs of wrongdoers operating at the airport.” The Chamber denounced in a press release that execs from transnational companies coming to the country were being dogged to their residences and then intercepted, kidnapped or robbed.

As chairman of Best Western Hotels, Mr. Montenegro pointed out that at least once a week one of his guests has claimed to be mugged during his way from the airport to the lodging facility.