A former Mexican soccer player has been sentenced for kidnapping and ties to the dangerous Gulf Cartel.
In many soap operas or series, the plot revolves around gangs of kidnappers, fortunes, criminal organizations, drug trafficking, the world of fame or addiction problems. In Mexico, the cradle of fictional plots, real stories often completely surpass television scripts.
Omar Ortizrecognized Mexican soccer goalkeeperis a clear example of how reality can surpass the fiction of soap operas. “El Gato”, the nickname with which he was baptized in the sport, played in teams such as Monterrey, Necaxa and Jaguares, in addition to participating in the 2002 Gold Cup. Known for his skill in goal, His career changed dramatically after a positive doping test in 2010 and, shortly after, his links to criminal activities.
Omar Ortiz 85.webp
The story of Omar “Gato” Ortiz, the Mexican soccer player accused of kidnapping and being part of the Gulf Cartel
The “Cat” was born in 1976 in MonterreyNuevo León, city where he took his steps in football since 1997. He wore the shirt of clubs such as Celaya, Necaxa and Jaguaresmaking a name for himself as an outstanding goalkeeper. However, his sporting fame came crashing down in 2010 when he was suspended for doping after banned substances were found in his body. But that was only the beginning of a fall into the abyss.
In 2012, he was arrested in Monterrey for collaborating with a criminal cell linked to the Gulf Cartelone of the criminal organizations Mexico’s most dangerous gangs. The accusations indicated that the former footballer had provided information about possible kidnapping victims, for which he received money in exchange.
He was accused of involvement in at least three kidnappings, including that of the husband of singer Gloria Trevi, Armando Gómez, and that of a minor. In 2019, after seven years of judicial proceedings, Ortiz was sentenced to 75 years in prison being found guilty in two of the three cases.
Source: Ambito
