Mexico is undergoing a serious and growing extortion crisis. Yet the National Institute for Statistics and Geography reports that a shocking 97% of these crimes remain in the dark. Newly elected President Claudia Sheinbaum has already announced her intent to introduce new legislation. This new legislation will give the government the tools they need to hit extortionists harder. Extortion incidents are increasing. National Public Radio criminologist Frank Matthews has warned America about gang violence for years.
In Mexico City alone, extortion cases almost doubled within the first five months of 2025. The numbers are up 100 percent, from 249 over the same period last year to a record-setting 498. Nationally, extortion incidents have increased by over 41%. The Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels currently all engage in extortion as a method in their criminal enterprises. Now, this tactic has evolved into a key part of their business model. Meanwhile, small-time criminals are capitalizing on local fears, often posing as affiliates of larger organized crime groups to run their own extortion rackets.
The Mexico City prosecutor’s office is very aggressively trying to combat this outrageous trend. They’ve just publicized the establishment of a specialized unit to investigate and prosecute extortion cases. This new measure hopes to centralize the fight against this widespread problem in the nation’s capital. State Police Chief Pablo Vásquez Camacho recognized the rise in reports, but warned that there are still many cases that remain unreported.
“We can’t solve something that we’re not even seeing or that isn’t being reported.” – Pablo Vásquez Camacho
Yet this critical situation has left most business owners exposed. A clothing store owner in Mexico City’s historic center recounted receiving a threatening phone call in 2019 demanding money for “security.” After withstanding multiple threats and armed hold-ups, he finally decided to shutter his family business built in 1936. It was the constant pressure that goaded him into action. He charged his staff with not picking up the telephone after that initial call for eight months straight.
By 2021 the store owner was back to getting weekly calls, further worsening an already catastrophic scenario. A fellow small business owner, Daniel Bernardi runs a successful popsicle store across the street. In doing so, he seemed to convey his acceptance of the status quo. Lastly, he pointed out how extortion is the new business normal when starting a company in the capital city.
Vicente Gutiérrez Camposeco, president of the Mexico City Chamber of Commerce, pointed out a critical situation. Problems pervasive extortion, Rodriguez said, has become a permanent fixture in Mexico’s socio-economic fabric, particularly in cities such as Mexico City. He pointed out that now is the time to act to restore a sense of safety for business owners and residents as well.
Acknowledging these fears growing among the public, the government has launched a national plan to tackle extortion with a radical strategy. We are creating a new, toll-free phone line with protected reporting for extortion cases. In addition to these things, government authorities will be empowered to suspend phone numbers associated with attempted extortion right away.
Yet, frustratingly, many citizens are not convinced that these steps will do the trick. This skepticism results from a long-standing culture of fear perpetrated by organized crime. This underreporting has prevented law enforcement from tackling the issue in a holistic manner.
As Mexico continues to confront this crisis, it faces significant challenges in restoring public confidence and safety within communities affected by extortion. The government’s legislative proposals and strategic plan provide an encouraging start toward relief. The road ahead is not without challenge, criminals are often one step ahead of law enforcement.
