Mexico and Spain authorities combat extortion and illegal fishing

In Mexico, extortion rates are rising, with Coparmex reporting 6,562 victims in the first half of 2026, a 9.17 percent increase from the previous year. Morelos, Tabasco, Estado de México, Zacatecas, and Guerrero are among the states facing the highest levels of extortion. In Puebla, the State Public Security Secretariat reported receiving 6,096 extortion-related calls during the first half of 2026, noting that 85.5 percent of these calls did not result in completed crimes.

Simultaneously, authorities in Mexico are intensifying efforts against illegal fishing. A coordinated operation by the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries and the Navy resulted in the seizure of 462 tons of illicit fishing products and 1,436 prohibited fishing tools across 19 states. These actions aim to protect coastal resources and the livelihoods of formal fishermen.

In Galicia, Spain, the Coast Guard service intercepted 263.4 kilograms of illegal fish and seafood and confiscated 656 unauthorized fishing tools between August 10 and 16. The seizures included octopus, crab, and various bivalves. Most live seafood was returned to the sea to preserve marine resources, while undocumented frozen products were donated to charitable organizations.