The global threat of rogue diplomacy November 14, 2022 Serdar Vardar | Pelin Ünkern Source https://p.dw.com/p/4JW0K Honorary consuls, a class of voluntary diplomat, are among the least-regulated actors in international diplomacy. A joint investigation by DW and partners reveals how it is abused by criminals and even terrorists. Diplomatic passports allow title holders numerous perks and clear financial advantages.
A Foreigner’s Fight Against a Powerful Network in Querétaro
From false accusations and violent attacks to systemic obstruction, one man exposes a shadowy alliance of local officials and foreign interests aiming to silence him.
Since arriving in Queretaro in 2022 I have lived here without official residency, trying to maintain a low profile. However, my curiosity about irregularities surrounding the property I rent, and others nearby, quickly pulled me into a troubling reality.
Suspicious landlord acting as guilty
The landlord, José Luise Alcocer de Alba, has been evasive and hostile from the beginning. When I requested his bank details to pay rent properly, he refused to provide them and began acting strangely. Over time, his behavior became increasingly aggressive. On one occasion, under the influence of cocaine, he forcefully entered my apartment unannounced at night, causing extensive property damage, ripping cameras from the walls, physically assaulting my roommate and me, and creating chaos that left us shaken.
False accusations but with real consequences
My attempts to seek justice and clarity instead triggered a relentless campaign against me. False animal abuse accusations led to police and animal protection inspections, during which my dogs were seized based on fabricated claims. Despite cooperating fully, the authorities refused to return my pets and prolonged the investigation with misleading reports. The complaint included lies so blatant that even witnesses failed to notice contradictions.
At the same time, Javier Rivera, a local animal activist, orchestrated a widespread defamation campaign against me on Facebook. He shared personal information, images of my home, and private details with thousands of people, turning me into the most vilified person in Querétaro overnight.
Violence and intimidation escalated as Rivera organized protests and marches directly outside my apartment. These mobs hurled eggs that damaged windows, walls, and even infiltrated my workspace, spray-painted graffiti, and set fires within my building, causing tens of thousands of pesos in damages. Meanwhile, cyber attacks followed; after contacting human rights organizations, I received a virus that destroyed my computer and router, further isolating me.
German consul Thomas Wagner a dedicated servant to corruption
Throughout this ordeal, my attempts to get support from the German consulate in Querétaro were deeply disappointing. The consul, Thomas Wagner, seemed indifferent and unprepared to assist in what was clearly a diplomatic and human rights crisis. His office appeared outsourced and disengaged, staffed by personnel who followed orders without autonomy. Despite my repeated requests, Wagner showed little interest, maintaining close, seemingly exclusive relations with local municipal magistrates, which only heightened my suspicion of collusion.
Official channels like the Prosecutor’s Office and anti-corruption bodies either obstructed my efforts or lacked transparency. The promised consular notifications were never delivered, and my requests for legal assistance or intervention were ignored or flatly denied.
I have come to realize that this is a deliberate strategy by a powerful and corrupt network involving local politicians, certain authorities, and foreign actors aiming to silence me. They assume that as a foreigner and an outsider, I can be intimidated into submission.
Yet, I refuse to be driven away. Though I face threats, physical violence, defamation, cyber attacks, and institutional corruption, I am committed to exposing this corruption and demanding justice—not just for myself but for anyone vulnerable to such abuse.