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Published December 13, 2023, 4:41 PM ET
American comedian and activist Tou Ger Xiong filmed himself happily partying at a major concert in Colombia just days before his body was discovered after going on a date with a woman he met online – before the US embassy warned tourists.
Xiong, 50, an Asian American living in Minnesota, beamed on Dec. 3 as he recorded himself among the boisterous crowd attending a highly anticipated Karol G concert in Medellín.
The comedian screamed and cheered as he was surrounded by fireworks, smoke and lasers as the crowd cheered while the Latin Grammy winner was heard singing on stage and wishing her fans “happy.”
A week later, Xiong had plans to meet a mysterious woman he met on social media, but instead he was attacked and kidnapped by a group of men. His body was found in a ravine, local newspaper El Colombiano reported.
The comedian appears to be the latest victim of a honey trap scheme widespread in major Colombian cities, including Medellín, in which wealthy tourists are lured into dangerous situations by women they met online, only to be attacked by gangs.
Tou Ger Xiong, 50, cheered as he was surrounded by fireworks and lasers at a huge Karol G concert in Colombia. Facebook / Tou Ger Xiong The crowd roared as the singer told all her fans to “be happy.” Facebook / Tou Ger Xiong
“One of the most popular methods to target unsuspecting individuals is through online dating applications,” the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá said in a warning over the summer.
“Foreigners are routinely targeted via online dating applications or in bars and nightclubs.”
According to embassy officials, victims of such scams are often drugged with the dangerous sedative scopolamine – an odorless and tasteless substance that blocks memory and puts the victim in a trance-like state.
Xiong appeared to be the latest victim of honey trap schemes targeting wealthy tourists in major Colombian cities. Tou Ger Xiong / Facebook The popular Minnesota comedian left on December 10 to meet a woman he had connected with online. Tou Ger Xiong / Facebook
The drug can be hidden in food and drink and can render the victim unconscious for up to 24 hours.
It is unclear whether the substance was found in Xiong's body as his grieving brother Eh is currently working with US Embassy officials to bring his brother back to Minnesota. He added that a suspect had already been taken into custody.
Eh and a friend had last heard from Xiong around 7 p.m. local time on the day of the kidnapping, when men demanded $2,000 in cash for the comedian's release.
Xiong's body was found in a ravine with multiple stab wounds. CBS
Xiong also told his friend who filed the police report that he was being “held at gunpoint,” according to KSTP.
Hours earlier, police were at the apartment where Xiong was staying because a woman took items from the apartment and fled before police could arrest her, officials told the outlet.
According to El Colombiano, Xiong's body was eventually found in La Corcovado Gorge with more than a dozen stab wounds and multiple bruises resulting from an apparent fall from over 60 feet.
Local law enforcement confirmed that the suspects murdered Xiong before the payment was made, and an investigation was launched to determine whether Xiong's death was the result of an escape attempt.
Xiong called his brother and a friend, and men could be heard on the phone demanding $2,000. Tou Ger Xiong / Facebook
Xiong's case is eerily similar to the death of another Asian American tourist who traveled to Colombia to attend the concert of another of Latin America's biggest stars.
Last year, California logistics consultant Paul Nguyen, 27, was traveling to Medellín for a vacation and to see a Bad Bunny concert when he made a match with a woman on Tinder.
His body was found next to a dumpster, with police finding evidence that a sedative was used to render him unconscious and rob him, Vice reported.
Xiong was also an advocate who spoke out against racial discrimination. Tou Ger Xiong / Facebook
Police later arrested Evelyn Henao Herrera, who was accused of working with two gang members who allegedly carried out robberies planned through dating apps.
According to the Medellín District Office, Xiong's murder marks the 27th violent death of a non-migrant foreigner this year in Colombia's Aburra Valley.
According to the National Police, Antioquia, the state in which Medellín is located, recorded an 88% increase in kidnappings in 2003. As of October 31, at least 49 cases have been reported.
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