A mysterious “avenger” who has become known as the“Batman of Lagos de Moreno” has caused a stir in Mexico, as he reportedly tracks down individuals he considers suspects in motorcycle thefts and then immobilizes them, tying them with tape to street poles. Authorities have launched an investigation into the unidentified man, while these actions have sparked debate about the limits of vigilante justice.
The incidents took place in the Lagos de Moreno area, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, where, over a period of about ten days, at least five men were found tied to poles with duct tape. Next to them, according to reports, were motorcycles believed to be stolen, while in some cases there were also signs describing their alleged crimes.
🇲🇽 Mexico now has its own “Batman”: He hunts motorcycle thieves at night and duct-tapes them to poles
In Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco state, five men have already been found tied to lampposts. Some had their mouths taped shut, showed signs of having been beaten, and stolen motorcycles were left… pic.twitter.com/JU3shOGH9s
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) June 27, 2026
Photos circulating on social media show some of the individuals with the word “ratero” written on their faces, which in Spanish means “thief,” while in some cases drawn mustaches and features such as “cat whiskers” appear. Authorities consider these elements to be part of the unknown perpetrator’s “signature.”
Despite the fact that on social media, many users portray him as a folk “hero” who fights crime, police authorities do not share this view. The men found tied up are treated as victims of the incidents, and authorities are investigating the circumstances under which they were restrained, as the perpetrator may face charges of unlawful detention and assault.
So far, the identity of the so-called “Mexican Batman” remains a mystery. Authorities have located vehicles that may be linked to the mysterious figure’s actions, but no arrests have been made.
The case has sparked intense debate in Mexico, in a region where crime and vehicle theft are common problems, with the police insisting that illegal activities must be addressed through legal channels and not through acts of vigilantism.
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