Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Kidnappings in Quintana Roo continue to rise, with nine cases recorded in the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest report from the civil organization Alto al Secuestro.
The figure adds to a historical total of 163 kidnappings in the state since the current federal administration began. The data shows a worrying trend, with monthly fluctuations that suggest the crime is far from being eradicated.
Discrepancy Between Official and Civil Figures
A key finding in the National Kidnapping Report is the significant gap between data from civil society and official state records. While Alto al Secuestro counts nine incidents so far this year, the State Prosecutor’s Office (FGE) reports only one case.
The FGE figure matches the database of the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP). However, the SESNSP relies exclusively on statistics provided by state authorities.
Why the Numbers Differ
The discrepancy stems from differing data collection methods. Alto al Secuestro does not limit itself to FGE files but also includes statistics from the Federal Prosecutor’s Office (FGR) and media reports.
Specialists from the organization note that many kidnappings do not result in a formal investigation or complaint with state authorities. Media monitoring is therefore essential to gauge the true scale of the crime in Quintana Roo.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
Kidnapping incidence in Quintana Roo has grown steadily in recent years. According to the association’s annual breakdown, cases during the current administration are as follows:
- 2022 (October–December): 7 cases
- 2023: 34 cases
- 2024: 55 cases
- 2025: 58 cases
- 2026 (January–March): 9 cases
So far this year, January saw three cases, February dropped to one, and March rose again to five reported kidnappings.
Quintana Roo Among States With Highest Increase
Nationally, Quintana Roo ranks among the 10 states where kidnappings have increased. This contrasts with 13 states where incidence remained stable and nine where it declined.
Across Mexico, 102 kidnappings were recorded in 22 states during the first quarter. Ten states reported no kidnappings at all.
National Comparison and Federal Administration
Mexico averages 160 kidnappings per month, or 35 per week and five per day. Of the 102 recent cases, 55% were identified through media reports.
The report also compares the first 17 months of the last three federal administrations:
- Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo: 2,734 kidnappings
- Andrés Manuel López Obrador: 2,627 kidnappings
- Enrique Peña Nieto: 3,868 kidnappings
The states with the highest cumulative incidence are Chihuahua with 16 cases, followed by Sinaloa with 12, and Guanajuato and Veracruz with 9 each.
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