Hidalgo nabs alleged extortionist targeting Isla Mujeres hotels

Tula de Allende, Hidalgo — A man identified by the initials R. L. L., accused of extorting hotel entrepreneurs in Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, was apprehended in Hidalgo by specialized anti-kidnapping units. The arrest was carried out by the Specialized Unit in Combating Kidnapping (UECS) of the Hidalgo Attorney General's Office (PGJEH) in coordination with the Quintana Roo Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Kidnapping and Extortion.

Arrest in Michimaloya

According to official reports, R. L. L. was located in the town of Michimaloya, within the municipality of Tula de Allende, where he was detained following intelligence operations and tactical maneuvers. Authorities allege that the suspect demanded monthly payments from hotel businesses in the continental zone of Isla Mujeres in exchange for purported protection offered by a criminal cell operating in the region.

The affected business owners filed complaints with the Quintana Roo Prosecutor’s Office, prompting an interagency collaboration to locate the suspect outside the state.

Extradition and Legal Proceedings

After his arrest, R. L. L. was handed over to Quintana Roo authorities, who arranged for his transfer to Cancún. There, he will be presented before a judge, where prosecutors will formally charge him and seek his indictment.

Rising Extortion in Tourist Zones

Extortion in tourist destinations like Cancún and Isla Mujeres has become an increasing concern in recent years, particularly in areas where criminal groups seek illicit profits by threatening or coercing local business owners. Authorities have documented cases where criminal structures pose as "protection providers" to extort entrepreneurs.

This arrest highlights the importance of cross-state coordination among law enforcement agencies to combat high-impact crimes that transcend regional borders and directly affect strategic sectors such as tourism.