APIT Ex President Faces Fraud Charges

Former APIT President indicted for real estate fraud, causing a family over $150,000. Report warns of rampant unlicensed agents in Tijuana, urging caution in property transactions.

### Former President of APIT Indicted for Real Estate Fraud

The former President of the Tijuana Association of Real Estate Professionals (APIT), Paola “N,” has been formally charged with fraud in connection with a real estate transaction, to the detriment of Luis Alberto Beilis Mitlich. Another accused individual, Adalberto “N,” was acquitted by a judge during the preliminary hearing held on Monday.

“Given that I always dealt directly with Paola, all the evidence accumulated against her alone because I never had contact with the other accused, although he did attend meetings held at Paola’s office and was the one who introduced the falsified property owner,” stated Luis Alberto Beilis.

In 2022, the Beilis Mitlich family sought to purchase land and reached out to APIT, specifically to its then-president Paola, who showed them two plots in the Encanto del Mar subdivision. These plots were supposedly on offer for $95,000, with the condition that payment be made in cash.

A year later, as the family began clearing the land to start construction, the rightful owner of the property arrived and claimed the area, revealing an illegal occupation. This incident led Luis and his family to discover that the alleged owner who sold them the land was fraudulent, as was the identification presented during the transaction.

The affected family is now demanding a full refund of their payment, interest for the two years, and the legal costs, amounting to more than $150,000 in total.

“We seek economic reparation because while moral damages are something one has to cope with, we no longer feel as trusting towards people. We acted in good faith,” commented Luis Alberto Beilis.

Luis added that it would be up to the judge to determine whether Paola “N” would face imprisonment. He also expressed hope that APIT and the State Secretary of Economy would revoke her professional real estate license.

### Report Highlights Potential Real Estate Scams in Tijuana

In related news, it is reported that only 1 in 8 real estate agents in Tijuana hold a proper license, suggesting a prevalence of unregulated activity in the region that could pave the way for fraudulent schemes. The case involving Paola “N” is a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence when engaging in real estate transactions.

Moreover, the Institute for Real Estate Development (Indivi) cautions potential buyers to be wary of properties being offered at significantly lower prices as it may indicate fraudulent activity. Buyers are urged to verify ownership and credentials thoroughly before making any financial commitments.

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### Rising Costs and Development Concerns in Tijuana

In other local developments, the summer discounts for delinquent water bill payments will expire in June, with approximately 35% of users currently in arrears. On another note, Tijuana’s La Mesa and Tercera Etapa del Río areas are projected to experience significant growth, as per the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI).

Economic and employment conditions in Tijuana are also seeing a notable trend with local labor being up to 15% more expensive compared to the national average, prompting various training initiatives to equip locals with trades like construction and electrical work, according to Gabriel Vizcaíno.

Furthermore, the incoming municipal government will be reviewing contracts concerning the halted reconstruction of the Playas de Tijuana boardwalk to determine if modifications are required.

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