On April 24, 2025, Carlos Lazo Reyes, the CEO of Yox Holding S.A. de C.V., was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada, following allegations of massive fraud against investors. The arrest was confirmed by the Attorney General's Office of the State of Chihuahua, which reported that Lazo is sought by judges in five Mexican entities for crimes totaling over one billion pesos.
The General Prosecutor's Office of Chihuahua stated that Lazo is expected to be processed first in Jalisco, where he has pending investigations. The capture was communicated by the Security Analysis Office of the United States Embassy in Mexico to the Legal General Directorate of the FGE. This arrest comes after a Red Notice and Migratory Alert were requested by the Prosecutor's Office on February 13, 2024, due to an arrest warrant for Lazo related to his probable responsibility in fraud (criminal case 299/2024).
Currently, Lazo is in the custody of the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Las Vegas. He is anticipated to request a hearing before a migration judge, which could delay his deportation. The authorities in Jalisco were the first to seek his capture, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Yox Holding, a sports trading company, has been under scrutiny since late 2023 when it failed to meet financial commitments to its investors. The company promised monthly returns between 3.15% and 3.5% through a sports betting analysis system, but many investors have reported significant losses.
As of 2024, alarming statistics have emerged from the case: 59 victims have filed complaints, and 48 investigation files have been opened. The total amount claimed stands at $33,027,000 pesos, affecting 50,000 investors across various Mexican states, including Jalisco, Chihuahua, Nuevo León, Querétaro, Aguascalientes, and Mexico City. In Coahuila, reported cases surged from 90 in March to 196 in April 2024, marking a staggering 100% increase.
The fraudulent scheme involved investors being assigned to advisors, who received bonuses for recruiting new clients. The model was portrayed as a legitimate investment in betting on leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and NHL, likening it to stock market investments. However, the reality has been far different, with the company’s financial practices leading to its downfall.
The Public Registry of Commerce of Jalisco has issued an order to secure movable property, real estate, brands, and patents linked to Lazo, Ángel Ramón Serrano González, and Karina Mendoza Antuna. This measure aims to prevent the illicit transfer of assets that could further harm the victims.
In total, Lazo has accumulated 1,517 investigation files related to 3,646 affected individuals, with the alleged fraud amounting to 1,861 million 990 thousand 286 pesos in Jalisco alone. The prosecutor's office has indicated that Jalisco is the first state to file formal charges against him, which will likely dictate the course of his extradition.
The ramifications of this case are significant, with the financial damage estimated to exceed 1,847 million pesos, making it one of the largest financial frauds recorded in recent years in Mexico. The fallout from this scandal has not only affected individual investors but has also raised questions about the regulatory oversight of investment firms in the country.
As the legal proceedings unfold, updates regarding Carlos Lazo’s situation will be provided as the immigration processes continue. The case has attracted considerable attention, highlighting the vulnerabilities within the investment landscape and the critical need for investor protection.
Authorities are committed to ensuring justice for the thousands of victims impacted by this fraudulent scheme, and the outcome of Lazo’s upcoming hearings will be closely monitored by both the public and legal experts alike.
