A popular Mexican YouTuber was found dead on a dirt road with his hands tied and eyes taped shut, as police he believe was tortured by notorious drug gang Los Chapitos.
Miguel Vivanco, also known as ‘El Jasper’, was found in the early hours of Saturday morning on a road in the city of Culiacan, northwestern Mexico, just two days after he was reported missing.
According to Spanish-speaking news outlet Infobae, 29-year-old Vivanco had at least 70 bullet wounds when he was found by his relatives.
His family claim that a group of hitmen had forced their way into the YouTuber’s home on November 21, located in the Quilá area of Sinaloa, and had not seen him since.
But when his body was found, traces of torture became apparent as his eyes had been covered with green tape and he had been handcuffed and wrapped in a sheet.
Vivanco, who is originally from Culiacán, became famous in Sinaloa after uploading content to YouTube and TikTok.
He also shared a close friendship with Marcos Eduardo Castro, another influencer known as Markitos Toys.
Both Castro and Vivanco have previously been linked to a criminal group in the area known as ‘Los Chapitos’.
The criminal organisation, considered to be among the most influential in Mexico, was formed by the sons of the now-jailed former Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin Guzman Loera, more commonly know as ‘El Chapo’.
At the end of September this year, the Office of Control of Foreign Assets (OFAC) added Viivanco to its list of sanctioned people under the illicit drugs program.
It is unclear who was involved in the YouTuber’s murder, but an investigation is ongoing.
Details have not been confirmed by the authorities
Meanwhile, another content creator and close friend of Vivanco, Cristo Rich, shared an emotional message on Instagram, paying tribute to him.
He wrote: ‘Brother I will love you all my life with all my heart.’
‘You took a part of me with you. I know we will see each other again brother.
‘I hope we will always be together like we always were just us.
‘You are the best brother I could have had of that there is no doubt, always helping me.
‘You were a very special person to me. No one can ever replace you.
‘I will love you all my life brother and I will miss you like you have no idea, only you and I know brother.’
