**Bank Executive Accused of Swindling Elderly Woman in Tijuana**
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**Primary Article:**
Two months ago, Ann, an elderly woman nearing 80, began facing severe health issues, including fractures in her ribs and hip. This situation necessitated around-the-clock nursing care, creating a financial strain. Despite preparing for over a decade to ensure a comfortable retirement, her savings, held in two accounts at a national bank, mysteriously vanished. The financial institution in question has been notably unresponsive, according to Melissa, Ann’s niece and legal representative.
On May 20, 2024, Ann lodged a formal complaint with the bank, but despite the legal 45-day window for a response, she has received no formal communication. Investigations revealed discrepancies between the information provided by the bank officer, Omar Abel Ávila, who held a position as the subdirector of Commercial Banking, and data from the bank’s local branch in Plaza Chapultepec.
Faced with silence, Ann escalated her complaint to the National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Financial Service Users (Condusef) and filed a criminal complaint with the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Competency Control of the Attorney General’s Office (FGR). The situation, though dire, has yet to see an official response from either institution.
Remarkably, the bank’s unofficial stance, as conveyed by a branch manager in Tijuana, was “We’ll see you in court,” even though the manager acknowledged the inhumanity of the situation.
The accused, Omar Abel Ávila, had a long-standing relationship with Ann, acting as her financial advisor since 2008. However, following the revelation of missing funds, it has come to light that Ávila may have mishandled her money, including unauthorized issuance of a TOKEN and a credit card. Additionally, funds from the sale of some of Ann’s real estate were allegedly not deposited.
Despite Melissa’s attempts to engage with bank officials and Condusef, the process has been mired in delays and inadequacies. Condusef’s local office mentioned that while there are usually protocols in place to address such claims, the specific case involving a bank executive’s misconduct is rare.
In the broader context, Banca Afirme has faced notable customer service challenges. In the first half of 2024 alone, it registered 317 complaints nationwide, including unauthorized transactions and inadequate responses to service requests. Their performance in addressing these complaints has been criticized, with the bank receiving several penalties from the National Banking and Securities Commission for internal control deficiencies.
**Secondary Article:**
**Elderly Woman Falls Victim to Fraud by Bank Official in Tijuana**
A banking scandal has erupted in Tijuana, where an elderly woman, Ann, has allegedly been defrauded by a senior bank executive. Shortly after suffering severe health setbacks, Ann discovered that her saved funds had disappeared. Her niece, Melissa, who holds her power of attorney, has been battling the bank for answers.
The bank officer, identified as Omar Abel Ávila, who had a long-standing professional relationship with Ann, is accused of pilfering her savings. Melissa’s confrontation with bank representatives yielded little help, prompting Ann to file a formal complaint followed by legal action against the bank.
Condusef and the FGR are currently involved, yet the case sees little progress. The delay is particularly troubling for Melissa, given Ann’s urgent need for medical care, which cannot be supported solely by her modest pension.
Adding to the woes, the bank’s overall handling of customer complaints has been subpar. Reports reveal that the bank has a history of user dissatisfaction, evidenced by numerous complaints and significant fines for failing to maintain adequate internal controls.
As the legal processes unfold, Ann and her family face a daunting journey to reclaim her financial security. Without prompt action from the involved authorities, many fear that justice for the elderly woman might remain elusive.