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What began as a financial dispute over undelivered services turned into a traumatic imprisonment for Paul and Christy Akeo, an American couple who chose to take on the Mexican tourism giant, Palace Resorts. Their story, which has attracted international media attention, serves as a powerful warning about the dangers of challenging timeshare companies without proper legal support. In this follow-up article, we explain how their case concluded, what it means for other travelers, and why, instead of turning to foreign consumer protection organizations, the best course of action if you purchased a timeshare in Mexico is to seek help from local experts like Mexican Timeshare Solutions, who know the Mexican legal system inside and out and don’t charge upfront fees.

Key Takeaways

• Paul and Christy Akeo were jailed in Cancún for 32 days after being accused of fraud by a timeshare company.
• Their case began in 2021, when they invested over $117,000 USD in a Palace Elite membership and never received what was promised.
• They obtained a refund through American Express, but upon returning to Mexico in 2025, they were arrested.
• They were held in a maximum-security prison under extreme conditions, without access to family or the possibility of bail.
• Their release only came after diplomatic and media pressure and a payment of $116,587.84 USD to a Mexican charity.
• The case highlights how some timeshare companies use the Mexican legal system to intimidate and punish those who speak out.
• It’s highly recommended not to face these conflicts alone and to seek help from timeshare cancellation experts like Mexican Timeshare Solutions, who offer free consultations and never charge in advance.

Table of Contents

1. The Akeo Case: What Happened
2. Why Did a Timeshare Dispute Lead to Jail?
3. What This Means for Other Travelers
4. Who Should I Contact If I Have a Timeshare Problem in Mexico?
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. Want to Cancel Your Timeshare Without Risk?

The Akeo Case: What Happened

In 2021, Paul and Christy Akeo purchased a Palace Elite vacation membership for more than $117,000 USD. According to the Akeos, they never received the promised services, so they filed a complaint with the company and later disputed the charges with American Express, ultimately recovering their money in 2022. However, in March 2025, upon returning to Cancún, they were arrested on fraud charges filed by the company. They spent over a month in a maximum-security prison under harsh conditions, according to their daughter, and were only released after paying an amount equivalent to the original refund to a Mexican charity.

Why Did a Timeshare Dispute Lead to Jail?

Even though the Akeos had resolved the financial issue in the U.S., the company used the Mexican legal system to press criminal charges. This reveals how the economic power of resorts allows them to manipulate the law to pressure or punish dissatisfied customers — even years later. Such practices are not new and have been repeatedly denounced by consumer advocates and international media.

What This Means for Other Travelers

This case exposes the very real risk of handling timeshare problems alone, especially in countries where consumer protection laws are not always fairly enforced. Often, relying solely on foreign organizations isn’t enough. The key is having experts who understand Mexican law and the local court system and who can represent your interests directly in Mexico.

Who Should I Contact If I Have a Timeshare Problem in Mexico?

The safest option for those who signed a contract in Mexico is to contact Mexican Timeshare Solutions, a company 100% specialized in timeshare membership cancellations in Mexico and Latin America.

Why Choose Mexican Timeshare Solutions?

• We never charge upfront fees.
• We offer a free, no-obligation consultation.
• We have over 20 years of experience.
• We deeply understand how resorts operate and how to respond legally.
• Our reputation is backed by dozens of real testimonials and verified reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the Akeos?
They were arrested in Mexico over a timeshare dispute, spent 32 days in jail, and were only released after international pressure and paying a large sum of money.

Could this happen to me?
Yes. If you disputed a charge or publicly complained about a timeshare company, they may retaliate if you return to Mexico.

What should I do if I’m in a similar situation?
Don’t act on your own or rely solely on your bank. Seek professional help as soon as possible.

Who can I turn to in Mexico?
We recommend scheduling a free consultation with Mexican Timeshare Solutions. We are experts in legally canceling memberships.

Want to Cancel Your Timeshare Without Risk?

If you feel misled by a resort or can no longer afford maintenance fees, you’re not alone. Thousands of people are looking for a fair, legal way out of their contracts. At Mexican Timeshare Solutions, we help people from all over the world cancel their memberships permanently — without charging any money upfront.

Schedule your free consultation today through any of the following:

• WhatsApp: +52 333 239 6589
• Email: info@timesharescam.com
• Phone: +52 334 162 5467
• Contact Form

Don’t take risks. Cancel with professionals who know the Mexican system from the inside and protect your rights.