What happened
The González Valenzuela sisters, widely known as Las Poquianchis, operated brothels in central Mexico and were convicted after authorities uncovered deaths and severe abuse connected with their businesses.
The investigation
The investigation grew from complaints about missing and exploited women. Searches of properties revealed evidence of multiple deaths and systemic coercion.
What the courts or investigators concluded
Several sisters and associates were convicted and received lengthy prison sentences.
Why the case remains significant
The case became one of Mexico’s most infamous criminal histories because it combined trafficking, corruption, prolonged abuse and killings hidden behind commercial businesses.
Case context
Crime by Region organizes cases geographically so readers can move from one file to other investigations from the same country. For unresolved or contested cases, the wording above reflects the distinction between confirmed events, investigative theories and findings actually established in court.