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American investors furious after Mexican judge frees alleged land scammer
Victor Hancock and other investors say they were swindled out of prime beachfront property in Baja California Sur
Feb. 25, 2026 at 1:05am
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Victor Hancock and a group of American investors say they were the victims of a massive land sale scam in Mexico. They allege their business partner, Alessandro 'Alex' Porcella, somehow became the sole owner of 12 miles of prime beachfront property they had invested in over 25 years ago. When they took Porcella to court in Mexico, a judge initially ordered him under house arrest, but later freed him to travel between Mexico and the U.S. The investors claim Porcella has a history of shady land deals and has bribed officials to get out of legal trouble.
Why it matters
This case highlights the challenges American investors can face when doing business in Mexico, where corruption and lack of transparency in the legal system can leave them vulnerable to fraud. It also raises questions about Mexico's ability to protect foreign investment and property rights.
The details
According to court filings, Hancock and other American investors had been developing a beachfront property in Baja California Sur for over 25 years. However, they claim their business partner, Alessandro 'Alex' Porcella, somehow became the sole owner of the 12-mile stretch of coastline and was trying to sell it for $20 million. The investors took Porcella to court in Mexico, and a judge initially ordered him under house arrest pending trial. But the judge later allowed Porcella to move to Tijuana for medical reasons, and then ruled in his favor, allowing him to travel freely between Mexico and the U.S. The investors say they have evidence Porcella has bribed officials to get out of legal trouble in the past, including in a previous failed real estate project called 'Trump Baja Ocean Resort'.
- In August, the investors discovered Porcella had become the sole owner of the property.
- In November, the judge allowed Porcella to move to Tijuana for medical reasons.
- In March, Porcella is due back in court facing criminal and civil fraud charges.
The players
Victor Hancock
An investor based in Las Vegas, Nevada who bought the beachfront property in Baja California Sur over 25 years ago.
Alessandro 'Alex' Porcella
Hancock's business partner who allegedly became the sole owner of the property and was trying to sell it for $20 million.
What they’re saying
“We thought we had a slam dunk because he violated the court order and left the country, and he did all sorts of things, so we took into court, but when we got into court the judge sided with him. And we get this call from someone who is close to him saying, bragging about bribing public officials — Alex bragged about paying off the judges!”
— Victor Hancock, Investor (wane.com)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide in March whether to allow the criminal and civil fraud charges against Porcella to proceed.
The takeaway
This case highlights the risks American investors face when doing business in Mexico, where corruption and lack of transparency in the legal system can leave them vulnerable to fraud. It underscores the need for stronger protections for foreign investment and property rights in Mexico.
