Mexico extortion reaches 11-year high in first half of 2026

extortion crime rates COPARMEX Mexico security cybercrime

Extortion in Mexico reached its highest level for a first-semester period in 11 years during the first half of 2026. According to data from the Secretariado Ejecutivo del Sistema Nacional de Seguridad Pública (SESNSP) and reports from COPARMEX, there were 6,562 registered victims between January and June, marking a 9.17 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.

Extortion was the only major crime to show an upward trend, while other high-impact crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, and vehicle theft recorded decreases. The crime is increasingly committed remotely, with 70 percent of cases occurring via telephone, internet, or social networks. Another 20 percent involved in-person extortion, often referred to as “cobro de piso”.

Official statistics may significantly underrepresent the scale of the problem. Data from INEGI suggests a “cifra negra” (dark figure) of approximately 97 percent, meaning only 3 out of every 100 cases are formally reported. Regional analysis shows that 19 states experienced increases, with Chihuahua seeing a 2,325 percent rise in victims. Morelos recorded the highest rate of victims per inhabitant.

Entities

Chihuahua · Coparmex · INEGI · Mexico · Secretariado Ejecutivo del Sistema Nacional de Seguridad Pública

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] The number of victims increased by 9.17 percent compared to the same period in 2025. xeu.mx · elceo.com · www.diarioevolucion.com.mx
[● 4 SOURCES] Extortion was the only crime that increased during the first half of 2026. xeu.mx · www.diarioevolucion.com.mx · elceo.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Seven out of ten extorsions are committed remotely via telephone, internet, or social networks. xeu.mx · www.diarioevolucion.com.mx · elceo.com
[● 4 SOURCES] There were 6,562 registered extortion victims between January and June 2026. xeu.mx · elceo.com · www.diarioevolucion.com.mx
[● 4 SOURCES] Extortion reached its highest level for a similar period in the last 11 years during the first half of 2026. xeu.mx · elceo.com · www.diarioevolucion.com.mx
[● 4 SOURCES] Chihuahua saw a 2,325 percent increase in extortion victims. xeu.mx · elceo.com · www.diarioevolucion.com.mx
[● 4 SOURCES] Approximately 97 percent of extortion cases are not reported to authorities. xeu.mx · elceo.com · www.diarioevolucion.com.mx