Cozumel, Quintana Roo — A man identified as Zeus Israel “N” has been formally charged after allegedly extorting a restaurant owner on the island for nearly a year, demanding monthly payments of $2,000 in exchange for “protection.”
According to investigators, the scheme began on May 2, 2025, when the suspect approached the victim at his restaurant on the Transversal Highway. He warned the owner that to continue operating without trouble, he would need to pay a monthly fee for “security,” threatening harm if he refused.
Fearing for his safety, the victim made the first payment that same day. The payments continued monthly until April 3, 2026. On several occasions, the suspect was accompanied by another individual who may have also been involved in collecting the money.
After the victim filed a complaint, authorities obtained an arrest warrant. Based on the evidence presented, a judge ordered the suspect to remain in pretrial detention while the case proceeds.
The investigation is ongoing to determine whether additional individuals were involved in the illegal payment scheme.
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