Mexico influencers: 36 murdered in decade linked to organized crime

An analysis reveals that 36 influencers in Mexico have been murdered over the last decade, a phenomenon linked to concentrated urban violence and organized crime. The killings are primarily centered in three cities: Culiacán, Guadalajara, and Acapulco. Culiacán, in the state of Sinaloa, is the epicenter, accounting for 12 of the 36 recorded executions. This spike in violence coincides with internal conflicts between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Experts identify several risk factors for content creators. The rise of 'narcoculture' on digital platforms acts as a major catalyst, as young creators often use crime-related content to attract audiences. Other identified causes for these killings include money laundering through simulated donations during live streams, retaliation for unfulfilled financial agreements, gender-based crimes, and connections to criminal operators.

Notable cases include the 2017 death of 'El Pirata de Culiacán' and more recent incidents such as the attack on César Gastélum during a live broadcast. The phenomenon has sparked debate regarding the risks of digital exposure and the normalization of violent lifestyles on social media.