If you’ve been following us for a while, you already know we’ve been calling out Hookah Bar in Parque Lleras for months. We’ve written warnings, shared testimonials, and even helped some victims report their cases to the authorities. Some people thought we were exaggerating. Others said it was just “how the nightlife works in Medellín.” But now, the truth is out in the open—and justice is finally being served.
In a major operation led by Colombian authorities, 10 individuals have been arrested, including the alleged ringleader known as “La Madrina.” She wasn’t just some behind-the-scenes figure—she was the legal representative and manager of the club. This is the same Hookah Bar we’ve warned people to avoid, and it’s the same place that has left a trail of traumatized tourists and extorted foreigners. The arrests are part of a broader crackdown on a criminal network that has been preying on tourists in Medellín’s nightlife scene.
What Was Happening Inside Hookah
For those who are new here or haven’t been paying attention, let me break down what’s been going on.
Hookah Bar in Parque Lleras had become a hotspot for tourist scams—but not the “overpriced drink” kind. We’re talking serious criminal activity. Tourists, often foreigners unfamiliar with the local currency and customs, were lured in with music, beautiful women, and promises of a good time. Once inside, the scam began.
The women working there—some of whom posed as patrons—would cozy up to unsuspecting visitors, asking for drinks without disclosing that they actually worked for the bar. These drinks weren’t normal bar prices either. One shot of Bailey’s? 180,000 COP (that’s around $38 USD). Get a few of these girls to take a couple shots each, and your table ends up with a $300+ bill before you’ve even looked at the menu.
And it didn’t stop there. Some patrons were given final bills reaching up to 9.5 million pesos (about $2,400 USD). When they questioned it, things turned ugly—fast. We’ve heard from readers who were taken to the back room, held for hours, physically assaulted, and threatened with weapons. Some were forced to transfer thousands of dollars via crypto—money they could never recover. Others had their passports confiscated until they paid up.
This wasn’t just bad service. It was organized crime hiding behind the facade of nightlife.
What We’ve Been Doing
We’ve received dozens of complaints from our readers—some shocked, some terrified, many feeling helpless. A lot of people believed nothing would come of their police reports, and honestly, we don’t blame them. The system doesn’t always move fast.
But here’s the truth: Fiscalía does read these reports. They track patterns, look at the volume of complaints, and—when they have enough evidence—they act. We’ve personally helped several victims file reports with Fiscalía and the Policía. And now we’re seeing the results of that collective effort.
The recent arrests show that when we speak up, report abuse, and help each other navigate these situations, we can make an impact. What happened inside Hookah wasn’t some isolated scam—it was a coordinated effort to extort and endanger people who just came to enjoy Medellín.
Don’t Let Your Guard Down
While this is a major win, let’s not pretend the problem is solved. There are other places still operating with similar tactics. That’s why we continue to encourage you to be vigilant. If you’re visiting Medellín—or living here—don’t bring your passport out at night, Carry a Burner phone don’t have crypto on your phone. Carry a low-limit card or prepaid travel card, and leave the flashy watches and high-limit AMEX cards at home.
If something feels off, it probably is. And if you’ve been scammed or victimized—report it. It’s not a waste of time. It’s the first step toward cleaning up a city that has so much more to offer than shady clubs and overpriced shots.
If You’ve Been a Victim
If Hookah—or any other establishment—has scammed, threatened, or harmed you, file a police report online:
https://adenunciar.policia.gov.co/Adenunciar/default.aspx
- Select “Denuncia Virtual”
- Choose “Estafa” (Fraud)
- Fill out the form in detail
It’s in Spanish. However you can use our English version of the Report a Crime
If you need help, reach out. We’re not lawyers or cops, but we care—and we’ve helped others through this process already.
