In a small town in Michoacán, Mexico, a criminal group forced residents to pay for high-cost internet service or face death. The residents made monthly extortion payments while reporting the situation to authorities. Officials found evidence during a raid, including antennas and internet equipment, linking the criminal group to the extortion scheme. Security analysts note that drug cartels in Mexico have diversified their operations beyond drug trafficking, engaging in activities such as fuel theft, extortion from farmers, and extortion of tortilla shops. The cartels profit from various criminal activities, including fuel theft, avocado extortion, tortilla shop extortion, and even targeting poultry vendors for extortion. The cartels charge a fee known as “cobro de piso” or protection money from businesses in exchange for safety. They target restaurants, convenience stores, and jewelry shops, with restaurants being the most affected. The merchants report the extortion to authorities but often feel mistrustful of the process. The cartels use tactics such as phone calls, emails, or in-person visits to demand payment. Analysts note that due to the informal economy and dense population in Mexico City, many businesses are susceptible to paying protection money. The criminals involved in extortion often go unpunished, leading to ongoing fear and financial losses for the affected businesses.
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