Authorities Hunt ‘Mexican Batman’ After Vigilante Justice

Mexican authorities are searching for a mysterious vigilante dubbed the “Batman of Lagos de Moreno” after several suspected motorcycle thieves were found bound to lampposts.

Jalisco State Security Secretary Juan Pablo Hernández said police discovered five men duct-taped to lampposts, the Sun reported. Some were gagged or showed signs of being beaten. Several had pink signs placed above their heads detailing their alleged crimes, while others had mustaches, cat ears, or the word “ratero,” Spanish for “thief,” scribbled on them in marker. In some cases, stolen motorcycles were left beside them.

“In Jalisco, after the lack of help from the authorities, an anonymous hero started hunting down motorcycle thieves,” Mexican reporter Luis Cardenas said in his viral post. “So far, he’s already taken down five in ten days, and they call him the ‘Batman of Lagos de Moreno’.” 

???? En Jalisco, tras la falta de ayuda por parte de las autoridades, un héroe anónimo empezó a cazar ladrones robamotos. Hasta el momento, ya lleva cinco en diez días y lo apodan el ‘Batman de Lagos de Moreno’. pic.twitter.com/C1AJYqGIcO

— LuisCardenasMX (@LuisCardenasMx) June 24, 2026

Though no suspects have been arrested in connection with the incidents, officials said they are tracking two cars believed to be involved. Police are investigating the assaults on the bound men while also reviewing accusations that they were involved in motorcycle thefts.

Authorities have not said whether they believe a single person is acting alone or whether others may be involved.

The unusual case has drawn attention as Mexico continues to fight organized crime, cartel violence, and to deal with police corruption.

Frustration with crime and distrust of law enforcement have fueled a rise in vigilantes in parts of Mexico. Earlier this year, armed women in the nearby state of Michocoán were reported patrolling their communities to protect residents from cartel violence. 

Motorcycle theft remains a recurring problem in the Altos Norte region of Jalisco, where Lagos de Moreno is located. The United States has issued a Level 3 crime warning for the state of Jalisco, advising Americans to “reconsider travel” in the area.