Kidnappings, threats and ‘protection fees’: how can Mexico confront rise in deadly extortion?
Summary
Extortion is a growing crime problem in Mexico, with many people and businesses forced to pay criminal gangs "protection fees" or face threats and violence. Police corruption and fear of retaliation make it hard for victims to report these crimes, which severely hurt the economy and society.Key Facts
- Extortion cases in Mexico nearly doubled between 2016 and 2025.
- Official records show about 3,600 extortion cases in the first four months of 2026 alone.
- Only 0.2% of extortion crimes are reported because victims fear revenge.
- Extortion costs Mexico almost $900 million yearly, about 0.04% of its GDP.
- Criminal gangs demand regular payments from shopkeepers, families, and even threaten people with kidnappings.
- Some towns have been forced to pay monthly fees just to live there, causing hardships for poor families.
- People and officials who speak out against extortion risk being killed, including a local mayor and a community leader.
- The problem involves both gangs and some corrupt police officers, making it difficult to fight.
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