By Natalia Rueda 
The six Colombian women who had been reported missing in Veracruz, Mexico, on September 25, have finally been found. President Gustavo Petro confirmed the good news through his x account, announcing that the young women have been rescued in a specialized operation.
The six women, aged between 20 and 25, identified as Derlys Dayana Paneso, Sofía Vásquez Giraldo, Yarlín Soto, Maranyeli Michel Chacón, Michel Daniela Morales, and a sixth woman not yet identified, traveled to Mexico on 19 September in the hope of seeking better economic opportunities working as models and event escorts. However, they lost all communication with their families from the day they arrived in the country.
Han sido rescatadas en un operativo de equipos especializados las seis jóvenes de Medellín, que habían desaparecido en el puerto de Veracruz, México.
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) October 1, 2024
It is believed that the young women fell into the hands of a human trafficking ring, who took their passports and telephones and demanded that they pay an exorbitant amount of money for living expenses and transportation. In addition, the women’s families were also victims of extortion, receiving messages demanding the payment of a sum of money in exchange for the release of their loved ones.
Desperate and hoping for answers and help, the families turned to the Colombian government to initiate the search process. They also enlisted the help of the Veracruz Prosecutor’s Office to begin the process of locating and rescuing them. Finally, after a week of anguish, the rescue of the young Colombian women was successful.
The women will now be taken back to Colombia where it is hoped they will be able to provide more information about their disappearance and kidnapping.