*Updated Feb. 25 - Corrected identification of victim, with details*
Guadalajara -
A 65 year old Belgian citizen was executed at point blank range yesterday afternoon by unknown gunmen in the heart of Acapulco's tourist district.
The victim was identified by two news sources as Sarens Jank Merched, although other press reports listed derivations of that name. No home town or permanent residence was given.
Merched had gone shopping Saturday in a popular commercial center on Bulevar de Las Naciones. The area is close to the Fairmont Acapulco Princess Hotel, a popular destination for well heeled visitors to the troubled resort city. El Sur de Guerrero reported that the Plaza Diamante where he was killed is frequented by tourists who own apartments and condominiums in the area, and by locals.
The casually dressed Merched exited a store called Comercial Mexicana and placed his purchases in the trunk of a late model Mercedes Benz convertible, carrying Federal District license plates. He had just seated himself in the vehicle when at least two gunmen rapidly approached him and fired at arm's length. One of the .45 caliber bullets struck Merched in the left chest near his heart.
The attack occurred about 4:45 p.m.
Merched managed to place his car in gear and tried to escape the parking lot, but he collapsed at the wheel and the vehicle crashed into a barricade. The assailants fled.
Police and medical units arrived on the scene almost immediately. Paramedics performed CPR on Merched, but to no avail. He died at the scene.
Authorities are considering two theories of the crime: a bungled robbery, or an organized crime hit. There are no suspects.
One news source, citing an immigration document found on the victim's body, reported that Merced was a long term resident of Mexico and may have been employed here.
Acapulco has had a heavy presence of federal troops and state and local police for months, known as Operation Guerrero, while the state government desperately tries to put a lid on murders, kidnappings and other violence. Many of the crimes are the product of ceaseless drug cartel rivalries, while others are offenses against the fuera comun - ordinary street crime perpetrated by independent operators.
Feb. 25 - The victim of Saturday's execution has now been identified as Jan Karen María Sarens, 59. He was the CEO of a business called Sarens Group (SRNS) de Latinoamérica S.A de C.V, and held a long term resident card from Mexico's immigration authority. Sarens lived in Mexico City and was in Acapulco on vacation. Police say his murder was a case of robbery or "personal revenge."
Sarens Group is a company which specializes in the rental of construction cranes, and has done business in Mexico since 2002, according to reports published today. The corporation is based in Brussels, but conducts operations throughout Europe and in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and North and South America. Its main office in this country is in Mexico City. Belgian sources report that the company grossed 400 million euros in 2012.
An attorney for the victim told the press that Jan Sarens had "encountered business difficulties" in Mexico. He had entered into a local partnership with a Mexican national, but it fell apart after the latter allegedly broke their contract and appropriated funds. A lawsuit resulted, and the partnership was eventually dissolved under court order. Machinery and other property were divided between the warring former associates and their separate companies, including 46 cranes. Sarens Group was awarded a judgment for 15 million euros, which the Mexican partner failed to pay.
The Belgian company went to court a second time in an effort to collect the judgment. At that point, according to the attorney, Jan Sarens began receiving death threats. He reported them to the police, and hired personal bodyguards.
Jan Sarens was well connected, and apparently so is the Mexican enterprise. Press reports say that Prince Philippe, heir apparent to the Belgian throne, traveled to Mexico in 2009 in an effort to mediate the ongoing commercial dispute. He solicited the intervention of former president Felipe Calderón, but the litigation continued to simmer, and most of the judgment remains unsatisfied.
Sarens is survived by three sons and a grandson.
Sarens had this member of the Belgian royal family on his side, but a business dispute may have cost him his life anyway
Feb. 23 - Mexico nabs chief executioner for Cartel of Acapulco
Feb. 5 - "Image of Acapulco" is on the line, admits its mayor
Feb. 6 - International press bombards Acapulco: "a death zone"
Feb. 6 - Acapulco's tearful mayor begs Enrique Peña Nieto for federal help
Oct. 23 - Crime gangs which are replacing drug cartels will be difficult to track and fight
Jun. 22 - Mexican drug cartels will likely morph into "super gangs," says U.S. security firm
Feb. 19 - NY Times figures out: in Mexican drug war, Enrique Peña Nieto = Felipe Calderón Hinojosa
Feb. 1 - HRW's latest condemnation of Mexican drug war reveals little understanding of the conflict
Rapes of six Spanish tourists on Feb. 4
Feb. 4 - Spanish tourists raped, robbed on Acapulco beach front
Feb. 5 - USA Today story, quoting Mexico Gulf Region Reporter: Six tourists raped in Acapulco
Feb. 6 - Gunmen ambush police patrol in war torn Guerrero state, leaving nine officers dead
Feb. 8 - Today could bring arrests in Acapulco rape case, as more disturbing details emerge
Feb. 8 - Serial rapists may be responsible for Acapulco attacks - but do police have the right men?
Feb. 13 - Mexican prosecutors announce arrests in Acapulco rapes
© MGRR 2013. All rights reserved. This article may be cited or briefly quoted with proper attribution or a hyperlink, but not reproduced without permission.
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