Extortion response in Michoacán

In Michoacán, authorities have taken steps to address extortion through both public guidance and direct law enforcement action.

The Guardia Civil issued instructions for citizens to support victims of extortion calls, emphasizing the need for calm, non-judgmental accompaniment and the use of the 089 emergency line to report threats. Officials advised bystanders to help victims locate relatives in cases of supposed emergencies and to avoid transferring money under pressure. The 089 line remains available 24 hours a day to provide guidance and receive reports.

Following these efforts, a shootout occurred in Morelia between the Guardia Civil and suspected extortionists on Avenida Periodismo. The confrontation resulted in the death of Rafael ‘N’, also known as ‘El Mansito’ or ‘El Jocker’, a suspect linked to extortion with outstanding warrants for aggravated kidnapping and qualified homicide. One other suspect was injured and taken into police custody.

The Secretaría de Seguridad Pública (SSP) clarified that the operation was conducted by the Guardia Civil and the Subsecretaría de Investigación Especializada (SIE). The target was two men on a motorcycle suspected of ‘cobro de piso’ (protection money) collection. Intelligence reports indicated that Rafael N’s criminal activities spanned both Michoacán and Guanajuato. During the encounter, the suspect reportedly opened fire on officers with a handgun, prompting security forces to return fire.