Virtual Kidnapping Shuts Down Mexican Junior Tennis Tournament

The Mexican Tennis Federation canceled a junior tennis tournament in Guanajuato after 10 underage players and a coach became victims of a virtual kidnapping scheme. These extortion scams deceive victims into paying ransoms without actual abductions. Victims are now safe and back home.

The Mexican Tennis Federation has canceled a junior tournament held in Guanajuato's Irapuato city after a disturbing incident involving 10 underage players and their coach. These individuals were targeted by a virtual kidnapping scheme, an extortion tactic that tricks victims into paying ransom without actual abductions.

Unlike traditional kidnappings, virtual kidnappers rely on deception to convince victims that their loved ones are in imminent danger, prompting them to pay to secure their 'release.' It's a psychological ploy often operated from within prisons.

The incident occurred during the J30 or Juniors 30 tournament, one of the lower-ranked competitions under the International Tennis Federation's purview. All involved, reportedly from Queretaro, have returned home safely, according to the Mexican Tennis Federation.

(With inputs from agencies.)