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 enhance extortion penalties by equating tentative and consummated delict penalties, enabling proactive persecution from the initial contact.
Central Elements of the Strategy
Brugada Molina emphasized that extortion is a significant concern for the citizenry, necessitating an integrated response involving 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 a City Pact Against Extortion to be signed early the following year. This pact will involve commerciers, entrepreneurs, social organizations, schools, churches, and various sectors to collectively address extortion.
Preventive Measures
The strategy includes the 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.
Communication Campaign
A new communication campaign aims to strengthen the culture of denunciation, reminding victims they can request immediate attention through specialized lines without needing to visit the Prosecutor’s Office, with professional accompaniment and advice.
Operational Measures
Operational measures include enhancing business surveillance through video, 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 Asset Actions
The plan also includes ministerial and asset actions such as arrests, searches, seizures, and forfeiture in high-incidence zones, along with a comprehensive victim protection and attention program offering legal assistance, psychological care, and legal adjustments to bolster extortion prosecution.
Support from the Secretary of Security
Pablo Vázquez Camacho, the Secretary of Security in Mexico City, reported that over 2,608 calls have been addressed. Many of these calls helped neutralize threats without risking victims, while others led to investigations and arrests. This model incorporates crisis management, legal advice, and psychological support for those facing extortion.
Preventive, Operational, and Normative Actions
Vázquez Camacho explained that the strategy comprises preventive, operational, and normative actions. In the preventive realm, approximately 20,000 individuals have benefited from workshops, talks, and capacity-building in self-care and prevention, both in-person and online. The Línea Contra la Extorsión (Extortion Line) 55 50 36 33 01 is consistently promoted to raise awareness.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main focus of Clara Brugada’s strategy? The central aspect is an integrated approach to prevent, fight against, and dismantle extortion networks in Mexico City through 15 strategic actions.
- What is the City Pact Against Extortion? It’s a collaborative effort involving commerciers, entrepreneurs, social organizations, schools, churches, and various sectors to collectively address extortion in Mexico City.
- What preventive measures are included in the strategy? The plan encompasses creating neighborhood, business, and commercial networks with training, workshops, and self-care actions to equip citizens with clear information and prevent them from facing extortion alone.
- What are the operational measures in the strategy? Operational measures include enhancing business surveillance, linking private cameras to the C5 system, installing signal blockers in correctional facilities, and establishing a specialized cabinet against extortion.
- What support has been provided by the Secretary of Security? Over 2,608 calls have been addressed, with many threats neutralized without risking victims and others leading to investigations and arrests. This model incorporates crisis management, legal advice, and psychological support for those facing extortion.
