Murat Alikhanov, a Kazakh entrepreneur, was once proud of his app 1Fit's success in Mexico, boasting $1.2 million in subscriptions by early 2025. Users accessed numerous gyms and studios, making it a sensation since its launch. However, on April 28th, the dream shattered as 1Fit abruptly announced its departure due to severe financial woes, leaving its Mexican users in the lurch.

Despite continuing operations in several countries, 1Fit offered various memberships in Mexico. Deals were frequent, with annual contracts dropping to as low as 8,990 pesos. However, just weeks before closing, the company aggressively pushed promotional pricing, leaving users like Bianca Gaudillo with unpaid memberships. Banks often refused refunds, adding to users' frustrations.

Maria Valtierra and Ana Zárate, dance studio owners in Mexico City, were blindsided by the closure, having received no prior warning. They initially dismissed rumors as competitive tactics until customers faced registration issues and automatic cancellations, revealing the grim reality.

Alikhanov, named a Forbes entrepreneur under 30, added fuel to the fire with a cryptic Instagram story about an attempted kidnapping in Mexico, implying urgency in the company's exit. An official statement followed, denying fraudulent intentions and citing corporate-level decisions for the shutdown. Yet, studio owners reported payment delays and debts, with approximately 700 businesses owed money.

Marisol Medina, a Pilates studio owner, found the app beneficial despite its payment cuts. However, 1Fit's exit left her with an 18,000-peso debt, reflecting widespread financial impacts among partners. Alikhanov later reiterated the critical situation in a video, proposing a gradual repayment approach while dismissing fraud allegations.

Behind the scenes, a former executive revealed internal messages indicating prior plans to leave Mexico, contradicting Alikhanov's public claims. Employees were left jobless without severance, despite the app generating significant revenue shortly before its closure. The company continued selling discounted memberships until the last moment.

The Mexican authorities are investigating, as an estimated 9,000 users were allegedly scammed. Luis Camacho, a former user who managed to secure a refund, highlighted the responsibilities of banks and payment platforms like Visa and Mastercard in addressing the issue. The outcry for resolution persists, demanding accountability from all parties involved.