Mexico extortion trends show rising reports despite government claims of decline

In Mexico, authorities are reporting conflicting trends regarding extortion. While the federal government claims a 38% reduction in completed extortion cases following the implementation of the National Strategy against Extortion in July 2025, other data suggests a rise in reported attempts.

Data from the 089 emergency line shows that between July 2025 and February 2026, there were 142,505 extortion calls, resulting in over 5,000 investigations across 24 states. The Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System noted that daily reports increased by 85%, rising from 349 to 647 per day. Coparmex reported that the first half of 2026 saw over 6,500 victims, the highest figure in 11 years.

Experts suggest the discrepancy is due to evolving tactics. While measures such as mandatory CURP registration for phone lines and signal blocking in prisons have reduced successful crimes, criminals have shifted to using loan apps, WhatsApp, and phishing links. Additionally, INEGI indicates that 96.7% of extortion cases go unreported due to fear or distrust in authorities.

In regional developments, a man named Carlos Yair “N” was linked to a process in Cuautla, Morelos, for aggravated extortion after allegedly threatening a victim for money. He remains in preventive detention.