Family and friends say Guillermo J. Hidalgo Ortiz (57) and Zafar P. Mawani (56) disappeared on May 20 in Tlalpan, Mexico City, after relocating from the Chicago area in October 2025. Ortiz reportedly shared his phone location shortly before it went dead, and relatives say withdrawals were later made from the couple's bank accounts. The pair had been caring for Mawani’s mother, who has Alzheimer’s, and were arranging to buy a lift chair when they vanished. The Mexican Consulate in Chicago says it has no official information but is offering consular assistance.
Chicago Couple Reported Missing in Mexico City After Relocating — Family Urges U.S. Help
Family and friends of a Chicago-area couple say Guillermo Jafett Hidalgo Ortiz (57) and Zafar Padamsee Mawani (56) went missing on May 20 while living in Tlalpan, a southern borough of Mexico City. The couple relocated to Mexico City in October 2025 after decades in the Chicago area, and relatives say they have received few updates as Mexican authorities investigate.
What Relatives Say
Sources who spoke with WMAQ-TV report Ortiz shared his phone location shortly before his device went dead on May 20. Family members also say someone later withdrew money from the couple's bank accounts. The pair had been caring for Mawani's mother, who has Alzheimer’s, and were reportedly meeting two local contractors to arrange the purchase of a lift chair when they disappeared.
Official Response
The Mexican Consulate in Chicago told WMAQ-TV that it has no official information to report at this time but remains "committed to providing consular assistance within the scope of its authority" and will share updates through formal channels. Relatives and friends are urging U.S. authorities to become involved as the investigation continues.
Family Concern: Relatives say they are anxious for information and want prompt action while Mexican officials investigate the disappearance.
Authorities in both countries have not released further details publicly. Anyone with information about Ortiz or Mawani is encouraged to contact local Mexican authorities or the Mexican Consulate in Chicago.
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