Extortion rates in Mexico rise by 14% amid security concerns

A report from consultancy TResearch indicates that extortion in Mexico is on a rising trend, with a projected 12,700 victims by the end of 2026. This would surpass the previous record of 11,139 victims recorded in 2025.

Between January and September 2026, 9,912 extortion victims were recorded, representing a 14% increase compared to the same period last year. Specifically, September saw 1,048 victims, a 21% increase over September 2025. The data shows that four of the five months with the highest number of affected individuals occurred in 2026.

While the federal government's Security Cabinet reported that 2,170 people suspected of involvement in extortion have been detained across 24 entities as part of a national strategy launched in July 2025, the number of registered victims continues to climb. During the first 24 months of President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration, 23,756 extortion victims have been recorded, a 37% increase compared to the first third of the previous administration.