Introduction of Integrated Strategy to Tackle Extortion in the Capital
Clara Brugada Molina, the Head of Government for Mexico City, has introduced a comprehensive 15-action plan titled “Vamos por una ciudad libre de extorsión” (Let’s Go for a City Free of Extortion) to combat extortion in the capital. This strategy aims to prevent, fight against, and dismantle networks involved in extortion through a multi-faceted approach.
Key Statistics and Background
- In 2025, 234 individuals have been detained for extortion and 23 more for attempted extortion, surpassing the figures from the same period in 2024 (181 and 9, respectively).
- Mexico City was the first entity to elevate extortion penalties, equating those for attempted crimes with consummated ones and establishing proactive persecution, allowing authorities to act from the initial delictious contact and protect victims before damage occurs.
Central Elements of the Strategy
Brugada Molina emphasized that extortion is a significant concern for the citizenry, necessitating an all-encompassing response that integrates preventive, operational, and legal actions from the Mexico City Government.
Pacto de Ciudad contra la Extorsión (City Pact Against Extortion)
As the cornerstone of this strategy, Brugada Molina announced the convening of a City Pact Against Extortion, to be signed early in the coming year. This pact will involve commerciers, entrepreneurs, social organizations, schools, churches, and various sectors to collectively address extortion.
Implementation Details
- Installation of 1,897 buttons (physical and virtual) in 2025 compared to 296 in 2024, totaling 2,170 when including both types.
- Creation of neighborhood, business, and commercial networks accompanied by training, workshops, and self-care actions to equip citizens with clear information and prevent them from facing extortion alone.
- A new communication campaign to strengthen the culture of denunciation, reminding victims they can request immediate assistance through specialized lines with professional guidance.
- Operational enhancements, including strengthened video surveillance in businesses, linking private cameras to the C5 system, installing signal blockers in correctional facilities, and establishing a specialized cabinet against extortion to coordinate actions among key departments.
- Ministerial and property-related actions, such as arrests, searches, seizures, and forfeiture in high-incidence zones, along with an integral protection and assistance program for victims, including legal support, psychological care, and legal adjustments to bolster extortion prosecution.
Supporting Efforts
Pablo Vázquez Camacho, Secretary of Security and Civil Protection, reported that over 2,608 calls have been addressed. Many of these calls helped neutralize threats without risking victim safety, while others led to investigations and arrests. This model incorporates crisis management, legal advice, and psychological support for those confronting extortion.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main focus of Clara Brugada Molina’s strategy? The central aspect is the “Pacto de Ciudad contra la Extorsión” (City Pact Against Extortion), which brings together various sectors to collectively tackle extortion.
- How many people have been detained for extortion in 2025? 234 individuals have been apprehended for extortion-related offenses in 2025.
- What are the key components of the operational aspect of the strategy? Operational enhancements include strengthened video surveillance, linking private cameras to the C5 system, installing signal blockers in correctional facilities, and establishing a specialized cabinet against extortion.
- What support measures are available for victims of extortion? Support measures include an integral protection and assistance program for victims, offering legal support, psychological care, and legal adjustments to strengthen extortion prosecution.
