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Extortion rates rise in Colombia, averaging one case every 39 minutes
A technical study conducted by the National Planning Department (DNP) and the Colombian Association of Capital Cities (Asocapitales) reveals a significant increase in extortion cases across Colombia. Data from the National Police indicates that in 2025, 13,428 cases were recorded, up from 9,791 in 2022. This trend has accelerated the frequency of the crime from one report every 54 minutes in 2022 to one every 39 minutes currently.
In the first four months of 2026, 3,936 cases were reported, representing an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2025, while cases in capital cities rose by 10.1%. Bogotá remains the most critical city, accounting for 30% of all extortion cases in the country. Other major concentrations include Medellín, Barranquilla, Cali, and Cartagena, which together account for 65% of cases in capital cities.
Regional variations show sharp increases in specific areas; for instance, Cartagena nearly doubled its cases between 2024 and 2025. The report notes that 97.9% of cases in capital cities occurred in urban areas, with 79.1% taking place on public roads. Experts warn that official figures may be underreported due to fear of retaliation and distrust in institutions.
Entities
Bogotá · Colombian Association of Capital Cities · Julián Buitrago Arango · National Planning Department · National Police
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Colombia records an average of one extortion case every 39 minutes. noticiasalsur.co · www.kienyke.com · laopinion.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Bogotá accounts for 30% of all extortion cases in Colombia's 32 cities. noticiasalsur.co
- [● 2 SOURCES] There were 13,428 extortion cases recorded in Colombia in 2025. noticiasalsur.co · laopinion.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Cartagena's extortion cases increased by 93.9% between 2024 and 2025. noticiasalsur.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] Extortion cases in the first four months of 2026 totaled 3,936. noticiasalsur.co · www.kienyke.com · laopinion.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] Cases in capital cities increased by 10.1% in the first four months of 2026. noticiasalsur.co · www.kienyke.com · laopinion.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 79.1% of extortion cases in capital cities occurred on public roads. www.kienyke.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Telephone calls were the most frequent extortion method in capital cities in 2025, representing 48.8% of cases. www.kienyke.com