Extortion in Quintana Roo: Only 10% of Detainees Receive Sentences

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Despite a major crackdown on extortion in Quintana Roo, only about 10% of those arrested have been convicted, according to state prosecutors. Over the past two years, authorities have detained 324 suspected extortionists, but just 33 have received final sentences.

State Prosecutor Raciel López Salazar said 311 of the 324 detainees — 96% — were formally charged and bound over for trial after judges validated the initial evidence presented by prosecutors.

“I can tell you we have arrested 324 extortionists, of which 96% were charged, and we have obtained 33 convictions from trial judges, including exemplary sentences,” López Salazar said.

Some of those convicted received prison terms of up to 37 years, applied mainly to high-priority targets and members of dangerous criminal organizations.

López Salazar attributed the increase in arrests to greater confidence among business owners and citizens in reporting extortion. He said ongoing dialogue with economic sectors, state security agencies, and federal forces has been key to mapping, identifying, and dismantling criminal gangs operating in the state’s main municipalities.

To strengthen investigations and avoid legal loopholes, the State Prosecutor’s Office has completed a technical working group focused on developing specific protocols for extortion cases. Participants included former Baja California prosecutor Romel Moreno and UNAM researcher Patricia Lucila.

López Salazar said the training program — which instructs prosecutors, investigators, and victim services personnel — makes Quintana Roo the only state in Mexico with formal methodological guides dedicated to combating extortion.