Kidnapping and Extortion Cases Surge in Quintana Roo – Alarming Trends!

Quintana Roo, particularly the municipality of Benito Juárez, has seen a significant increase in kidnapping and extortion cases in recent years. From January to August this year, Cancun alone reported over 70 extortion cases and nine kidnappings. Additionally, the State Attorney General's Office (FGE) is investigating 790 cases classified as "other crimes against personal freedom." This category includes enforced disappearances and cases of deprivation of liberty.

These figures have risen sharply compared to previous years. In 2023, Benito Juárez reported 32 extortions and two kidnappings, while in 2022, the numbers were even lower with 16 extortions and one kidnapping. This means that the number of cases quadrupled in just two years.

However, the surge in crime is not limited to Cancun. Othón P. Blanco reported nine cases this year, a significant increase from just one in 2022. Similarly, Felipe Carrillo Puerto saw an increase from one to eight cases, and Solidaridad from one to seven cases. Citizens often do not report these crimes due to fear, lack of trust in authorities, and perceived lack of results.

In 2023, municipalities including Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, Lázaro Cárdenas, Tulum, and Bacalar reported no cases of extortion or kidnapping. However, this year all these areas have seen an increase in crime, with extortion cases numbering three, one, one, seven, and three respectively. This suggests that criminal gangs are increasingly disrupting the peace and security of these communities.

Regarding "other crimes against personal freedom," 585 cases were reported in 2022, 646 in 2023, and 790 so far in 2024. The rate of kidnappings, including extortion and express kidnappings, also increased from one case in 2022 and 2023 to nine during the current period, all in Cancun.

In 2023, criminal gangs demanded approximately 850 million pesos in ransoms or for extortion, of which 126 million were paid nationwide. In response to the growing crime wave, as of May, extortion cases in Quintana Roo are being officially investigated, regardless of whether a formal complaint has been filed by the victim.