“Texano” Arrested for Extorting Businesses in Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The Attorney General's Office of Quintana Roo (FGE), in coordination with its counterpart in Nayarit, has arrested José Gerardo "N," alias "Texano," for allegedly extorting businesses in multiple municipalities, including Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Bacalar.

Systematic Extortion Scheme Uncovered

According to the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Kidnapping and Extortion Crimes, the suspect had been demanding a monthly "protection fee" of 17,500 pesos per establishment from a victim since December 2023. The victim, who operates five food-service businesses, was forced to deposit the payments directly into an account under "Texano’s" name.

Following a formal complaint, authorities conducted field investigations, analyzed evidence, and used digital tracking to locate José Gerardo "N" in Nayarit. A joint operation with Nayarit’s FGE led to his arrest under a warrant issued by a Quintana Roo judge.

Additional Investigations Pending

The suspect faces five additional open investigations for similar crimes targeting other food-service businesses. Authorities suspect he operated systematically across multiple regions of Quintana Roo, exploiting local merchants.

After his arrest, "Texano" was transferred to Quintana Roo to face legal proceedings. The FGE emphasized its commitment to combating extortion and "protection fee" schemes, which have severely impacted the local economy.

"The suspect, identified as José Gerardo 'N,' alias 'Texano,' demanded 17,500 pesos monthly from the victim for each of their five establishments as a 'protection fee,'" the FGE stated in a social media post.

The agency urged other victims to come forward to strengthen ongoing investigations and prevent further impunity.

The case remains under judicial review as authorities work to dismantle organized extortion networks in the region.