The husband of Maria Rigovich, a Russian tourist who was kidnapped in Mexico, has confirmed to socialbites.ca that she has been released. According to Alexey, Maria is now en route to the immigration authorities for processing. He emphasized that the family received information from police officers assigned to the case and that a direct line of contact was established with the authorities managing Maria’s status. After an initial period of uncertainty, the family was finally able to communicate with Maria for a brief conversation that lasted about ten minutes before authorities indicated she would be taken to the immigration service for further steps.
Alexey shared details about Maria’s mission in Mexico, explaining that she traveled there to volunteer with churches and to assist immigrant communities. Earlier, she had been kidnapped after being targeted by members of a local cartel. In response, Maria’s relatives reached out to the Russian consulate in Mexico City to request consular assistance and coordinate support for her safe return. The involvement of the consulate underscored the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to securing Maria’s welfare through official channels.
Maria Rigovich, then twenty-three years old, had traveled alone through Latin America to broaden her experience and offer aid along the way. The incident occurred on the road between Monterrey and Reynosa, a region near the United States border known for its busy routes and varied security conditions. At the time of the event, Maria and her hosts were staying with local residents through a couchsurfing arrangement, which provided a temporary but crucial safety net while pursuing their volunteer work. While the cartel members released the accompanying family members, Maria was reportedly forced to pay a ransom for crossing the cartel’s territory. The family quickly acted to send money to a card used by Maria, but contact with her was eventually lost, prompting urgent international and consular intervention.
In the broader context of regional security, authorities noted that the area has faced ongoing tensions involving organized crime groups, including former cartel militants who have historically controlled certain routes and extorted payments from travelers. The unfolding events surrounding Maria’s case have drawn attention to the risks faced by foreign volunteers and tourists moving through high-risk corridors. Law enforcement agencies continued to investigate the incident, with emphasis on locating Maria safely and ensuring that correct legal procedures are followed for her immigration processing and eventual return. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of clear guidance for travelers who volunteer abroad and the role of international cooperation in protecting vulnerable individuals during cross-border assignments.