Background on Alejandro Gertz Manero and His Relevance
Alejandro Gertz Manero, the Federal Attorney General of Mexico (FGR), has acknowledged the growing problem of extortion across the country. As a high-ranking official in Mexico’s justice system, Gertz Manero plays a crucial role in addressing security concerns and ensuring the rule of law.
Telephone Extortion and ‘Derecho de Piso’ as Dominant Forms
Gertz Manero highlighted that the majority of extortion cases occur through telephone calls and under the ‘derecho de piso’ model. This model refers to criminal activities where offenders intimidate victims to increase fear and pressure.
Extortion Concentration in Prisons
The Federal Security Gabinete reported that telephone extortion is most prevalent in both federal and local correctional facilities. This indicates that prisoners are exploiting their position to carry out extortion schemes.
Geographical Distribution of Extortion
- Estado de México (2,049 investigations for extortion)
- Guanajuato (879 investigations for extortion)
- Nuevo León (645 investigations for extortion)
- Ciudad de México (602 investigations for extortion)
- Veracruz (585 investigations for extortion)
- Jalisco (178 investigations for extortion)
- Guerrero (47 investigations for extortion)
- Michoacán
These eight entities account for 66% of the nation’s extortion cases, according to the Federal Security Gabinete.
Addressing Extortion through National Strategy
Under the instruction of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Gertz Manero unveiled the National Strategy Against Extortion. This strategy aims to protect citizens from extortion regardless of their local or federal jurisdiction.
Combating Telephone Extortion
Gertz Manero explained that one part of the strategy involves filing necessary denunciations against anyone involved in telephone extortion criminal activities. This approach aims to dismantle the telephone extortion network.
The Federal Security Gabinete plans to publish monthly reports detailing extortion cases within federal and common law jurisdictions, enhancing transparency and accountability.
Targeting ‘Derecho de Piso’
Regarding the ‘derecho de piso,’ Gertz Manero emphasized that denunciations will be filed against participants in this criminal activity. He stressed the importance of collaboration between federal and state authorities to tackle these delictual activities effectively.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue addressed by Gertz Manero? The rising problem of extortion in Mexico, primarily through telephone calls and the ‘derecho de piso’ model.
- Which entities are most affected by extortion? Estado de México, Guanajuato, Nuevo León, Ciudad de México, Veracruz, Jalisco, Guerrero, and Michoacán account for 66% of extortion cases.
- What is the National Strategy Against Extortion? A plan instructed by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, aiming to protect citizens from extortion through various measures, including denunciations and transparency.
- How will the Federal Security Gabinete address extortion? By publishing monthly reports on extortion cases, filing denunciations against involved parties, and collaborating with state authorities to combat criminal activities.
