On December 29, 2025, a violent attack took place at the border between Guadalajara and Zapopan, resulting in the death of businessman Alberto Prieto Valencia, his 16-year-old daughter Sara, and one of his bodyguards. Prieto, 57, was known for his extensive career in wholesale trade and for founding Transportes Odal, a company recognized under the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s C-TPAT program.
Details of the Attack
During the incident, which occurred around 10:20 AM, Prieto was traveling in a Lamborghini Urus, protected by a team of former military bodyguards. The armed assault involved approximately 30 attackers who used multiple large vehicles to ambush Prieto’s convoy. The assailants executed a blocking tactic to directly confront Prieto and his escort, which sparked a fierce exchange of gunfire involving over 200 bullet casings.
Emergency Response
The attack prompted a swift response from local authorities, including the Guadalajara and Zapopan police, the State Police, the National Guard, and the Mexican Army. Aerial patrols and heavily armed units were deployed to the area. Salvador Zamora, Jalisco’s Secretary of Government, confirmed that some vehicles used by the assailants had been identified and secured. Investigations are ongoing, although no arrests have yet been made.
Investigations into Motives
The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office is examining the potential motives behind the murder, including Prieto’s alleged connections to illegal Colombian raffles. These raffles, often linked to extortion schemes, involve organized networks primarily composed of Colombian nationals, operating in collaboration with local actors at the Mercado de Abastos.
- Illegal raffles function as gambling operations.
- Participants are coerced into buying tickets, often under threat.
- Tickets typically cost around 20 pesos and serve as a form of extortion payment.
- Prizes range from cash to vehicles but are rarely awarded.
Background of Colombian Raffles
Colombian raffles have been a point of contention since at least 2019, with numerous reports highlighting their fraudulent nature and association with organized crime. The Mercado de Abastos in Guadalajara, which supports over 20,000 workers and serves 60,000 to 70,000 customers daily, is particularly vulnerable to these extortion operations, historically influenced by local drug cartels.
The investigation into the raffles gained further traction following the June 2024 arrest of Camilo Andrés, a Colombian implicated in human trafficking and labor exploitation. He was found to be leading the raffle operations at the market. Additionally, the Jalisco prosecutor reported 18 extortion complaints associated with these schemes since 2020, and several arrests have been made, with the majority involving Colombian nationals.
Despite the ongoing investigations, authorities have yet to establish whether Alberto Prieto Valencia was an active participant in the illegal raffles or simply a victim of their consequences.
