The Rising Tide of Extortion in Mexico: A Threat to Businesses and lives
Mexico is facing a growing crisis: widespread extortion by criminal organizations. From avocado farmers to small business owners, individuals and industries are being systematically targeted, creating a climate of fear and economic disruption. This isn’t just about money; it’s about control, and the consequences for refusing to comply can be devastating.
A Pervasive Problem Across Sectors
For years, certain regions have been particularly hard hit. Michoacán, a state renowned for its avocado production, has become a focal point. But the reach of these criminal groups extends far beyond agriculture, impacting businesses of all sizes across the country.
Here’s a breakdown of how this extortion unfolds:
* Initial Contact: Frequently enough begins with phone calls or subtle threats, demanding a “protection fee” in exchange for security.
* Escalating Demands: The amounts requested steadily increase, putting immense financial strain on victims.
* Intimidation Tactics: Criminals employ increasingly aggressive tactics, including threats against employees, families, and property.
* Violence as a Last Resort: When demands aren’t met, violence – including assault, kidnapping, and murder – becomes a grim reality.
When Victims Fight Back – And the Deadly Consequences
While many succumb to the pressure, some are choosing to resist. However, this defiance often comes at a terrible cost.
In 2022, corn and bean farmers in Texcapilla, Michoacán, reached their breaking point. Tired of paying roughly $200 per acre in protection money, they confronted members of La Familia Michoacana cartel armed with farm tools and firearms. The ensuing clash left 14 dead – 10 gang members and 4 farmers.
This illustrates the extreme risk involved in challenging these groups. Recently, several prominent figures who publicly denounced extortion have been targeted:
* carlos Manzo: The former mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, openly criticized the government’s response to cartel violence and vowed to confront the criminals. He was assassinated at a Day of the Dead celebration last month.
* Bernardo Bravo: A leader of regional lime growers in Michoacán, who repeatedly spoke out against extortion demands, was also shot and killed just weeks before Manzo’s death.
The Human Cost: A Family Business Lost
The impact of extortion extends beyond statistics and headlines. It’s about the lives disrupted and the livelihoods destroyed. Consider the story of Vicente, a Mexico City business owner.
For over 80 years, Vicente’s family operated a men’s clothing store in the city center. Four years ago,the threats began. Initially, it was just phone calls.Then, men started appearing at the shop, demanding money to ensure “security.”
The demands escalated rapidly - from $500 to $2,000 per month. Vicente feared for his workers and his family.His sons urged him to close the business, recognizing that no amount of profit was worth risking their lives.
Reluctantly, Vicente agreed. The closure resulted in 15 people losing their jobs, many of whom had dedicated years to the store. Vicente, now 67, laments the loss of a legacy built over three generations. He never reported the extortion, fearing collusion between criminals and corrupt law enforcement.
“Because I refused to pay extortion I was forced to shut down the business that my grandfather founded in 1936, and that my father and I continued,” Vicente said. “It was painful. Very painful.”
Why Reporting is So Difficult
Vicente’s reluctance to report the crime highlights a critical issue: a deep distrust of authorities. Many victims fear that reporting extortion will only expose them to further danger. They believe that corrupt officials may leak their information to the very criminals they are trying to avoid.
This lack of trust creates a vicious cycle, allowing extortion to flourish unchecked.
What Can Be Done?
Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach:
* Strengthening Law Enforcement: Increased resources and training for police, coupled with rigorous vetting to eliminate corruption.
* Protecting Witnesses: Establishing robust witness protection programs to encourage victims
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