Extortion in Mexico has surged, affecting 78% of states and averaging 27.97 daily cases in April 2025. Learn what drives this crime and how authorities are responding to curb its spread.
Extortion has entrenched itself as one of the most pervasive and feared crimes in Mexico, targeting individuals and businesses across urban and rural areas alike. Owners of small shops, street vendors, and independent workers face daily threats—from intimidating phone calls to demands for “protection” payments—creating an environment where opening even a modest enterprise is viewed as an act of courage rather than opportunity.
Alarmingly High Incident Rates
Data from the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP) indicate that an average of 27.97 extortion cases were reported every day nationwide in April 2025. Although this represents a 10.4 percent decrease compared to April 2024, the crime remains widespread, particularly among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
The National Confederation of Chambers of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Concanaco Servytur) reports that extortion now affects 78 percent of federal entities, ranging from “cobro de piso” (protection fees) to so-called “criminal taxes.”
According to Impunidad Cero, extortion is among the three most frequently occurring crimes—preceded only by fraud and theft—and it holds the unwelcome distinction of being the least reported offense to authorities.
Legal Definition and Penalties
Under Article 390 of the Federal Penal Code, extortion is defined as a crime whereby a person “without right, compels another to give, do, omit, or tolerate something to obtain a benefit for themselves or another, causing patrimonial harm.”
The Federal Penal Code establishes penalties of two to eight years in prison, along with a fine equivalent to 40 to 160 days of minimum wage for anyone convicted of extortion.
Direct vs. Indirect Extortion
A now-defunct Federal Police report categorizes extortion into two primary types: direct and indirect.
- Direct extortion occurs when an offender appears at a victim’s home or place of business, using threats and violence to demand money, goods, or services. Victims often face violent threats against themselves or family members if they refuse to pay the demanded “security” fees.
- Indirect extortion primarily leverages technology. The most prevalent form is telephone extortion, which surged around 2010 alongside rising organized crime–related violence. Today, indirect extortion tactics also include simulated kidnapping calls, social media messages, and instant messaging platforms pressuring victims to hand over funds under threat.
Factors Fueling Expansion
The ongoing expansion of extortion in Mexico can be attributed to several interrelated factors:
- Low Reporting Rates: Fear of retaliation and a pervasive distrust of law enforcement discourage victims from filing complaints. Even when reports are lodged, they often result in lengthy, opaque proceedings that rarely penalize perpetrators. This lack of accountability perpetuates a cycle of silence and vulnerability.
- Diversification of Criminal Enterprises: Organized crime groups have incorporated extortion into a broader “business model” to diversify their revenue streams. Beyond the immediate economic impact of demanded payments, extortion inflicts long-term harm on family finances, emotional well-being, and social cohesion within affected communities.
- Socioeconomic Pressures: Economic inequality and limited formal employment opportunities in certain regions increase susceptibility to extortion. Independent workers and small-business owners—lacking institutional support—are often seen as easy targets for criminal groups seeking quick profits.
Government Response and Specialized Units
Recognizing the gravity of the problem, authorities have taken steps to address extortion more effectively. In February 2025, the Mexico City Attorney General’s Office (FGJCDMX) announced the creation of a Specialized Extortion Crimes Prosecutor’s Office dedicated exclusively to investigating and prosecuting extortion cases.
Despite such efforts, challenges remain. Underreporting continues to undermine statistical clarity, and limited resources hinder timely investigations. Concanaco Servytur stresses the need for a coordinated national strategy that integrates law enforcement, judicial reforms, and community outreach to encourage victim reporting and bolster protective measures for vulnerable populations.
