Mexico Consulate warns of kidnappings on Omnibus buses

REYNOSA, Mexico (ValleyCentral) — The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico are warning of kidnappings on Omnibus routes from Reynosa.

The U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros has received continuous reports of organized kidnappings for ransom occurring on intercity buses departing Reynosa and Tamaulipas.

The buses are operated by the transportation company Omnibus.  

The Department of State’s Travel Advisory for Tamaulipas has issued a Level 4 Alert: Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping.

These kidnappings have occurred predominantly in the evenings on Omnibus buses departing south from the main Reynosa bus terminal. Kidnappers have specifically targeted passengers with connections to the United States, including U.S. citizens and residents.  

Victims report their belongings and documents are stolen, bank accounts emptied, and their families are forced to pay ransoms of thousands of dollars for each victim.

Listed are some precautions to take:

• Avoid travel to, in, or through Tamaulipas.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Notify friends and family of your plans and remain in contact with them.
• If you or a family member are a victim of kidnapping in Reynosa, call the FBI McAllen Field Office at 1 (956) 984-6300.