"Do Not Drink Beverages Offered by Argentine Women"…Unexpected Warning for American Tourists

'Black Widow' Crime Surge
Forcing Victims to Drink Drugged Beverages and Stealing Money
Term Originates from Geomeun Gwadub Spider

The U.S. Embassy in Argentina recently issued a warning about the "Black Widow" targeting its citizens residing in or visiting Argentina for tourism.

Panoramic View of Buenos Aires City Photo by Buenos Aires City Hall

On the 2nd, Yonhap News reported that the U.S. Embassy in Argentina issued a cautionary notice advising, "Do not act alone with strangers met through clubs or dating applications to avoid becoming a victim of the 'Black Widow,' and be careful with drinks or food they offer."

The term "Black Widow" refers to women who approach unfamiliar men, give them drinks laced with sleeping pills or drugs, and then steal money, clothing, electronics, and other valuables. The term originates from the black widow spider, where the female eats the male after mating.

Due to a significant increase in related crimes recently, the embassy urged its citizens to be cautious. Last week, a 40-year-old woman, along with an accomplice, committed such a crime against a 73-year-old victim in La Plata by giving her sleeping pills. When the victim woke up and screamed, they struck her head with a bottle. She was found with her hands and feet tied and her face covered in blood. The perpetrator is known to have a prior record of committing "Black Widow" crimes.

Previously, in March of last year, a woman and her accomplice stole $100,000 (approximately 130 million KRW) from a victim in the capital, Buenos Aires, and fled. In response, local Argentine media also highlighted the "Black Widow" incident that occurred in La Plata on the 1st (local time), warning, "Regardless of nationality or age, beware of this method that uses charm to approach victims and cause financial harm."