Background on María Jovita Portillo Navarro and Coparmex Cancún
María Jovita Portillo Navarro, the president of Coparmex Cancún, a local chapter of the Mexican Employers’ Confederation (Coparmex), has raised concerns over a significant rise in extortion cases in Cancún, Quintana Roo. Coparmex Cancún is a prominent business organization representing local enterprises, making Portillo Navarro’s statements crucial for understanding the current challenges faced by businesses in the region.
Extortion Cases Surge in Cancún
According to data from the local Coparmex delegation, Cancún accounts for over 85% of extortion cases across the Yucatan Peninsula. Between January and November 2025, Cancún saw 162 reported extortion cases, marking a 62% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Underreporting of Extortion Cases
Portillo Navarro highlighted that these numbers only reflect officially reported cases. Independent organizations estimate that up to 90% of extortion incidents go unreported due to fear, retaliation, or lack of trust in institutions. This implies that the actual scale of the problem could be up to ten times greater than reported.
Impact on Economy, Employment, and Social Development
The president of Coparmex Cancún emphasized that this issue cannot be normalized or viewed as an inherent cost of doing business, regardless of size. The problem threatens formal economic activities, employment, and social development.
Calls for Policy Reforms and Specialized Units
Portillo Navarro urged policymakers to treat this issue as a priority, proposing reforms to the General Law against Extortion. These reforms should include harsher penalties, effective investigation protocols, and the establishment of specialized units within state attorneys’ offices to address this serious crime.
- Specialized Units: Portillo Navarro called for the creation of specialized units within state attorneys’ offices to combat extortion groups operating outside the law.
- Protection and Guarantees: She also emphasized the need for protection and guarantees for victims, whistleblowers, and witnesses to encourage reporting and reveal the true extent of the problem.
Urgent Action Needed
Portillo Navarro stressed the importance of decisive and politically motivated action to safeguard investments and foster development free from coercion or fear. The current situation, where extortion not only targets money but also opportunities, dignity, and social cohesion, demands immediate attention.
