Prisons Behind Quintana Roo Extortion and Kidnapping Scams

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Authorities have confirmed that phone-based extortions and virtual kidnappings in Quintana Roo primarily originate from prisons in other Mexican states. During a security cabinet conference held at the C5 Complex, officials disclosed that 64 criminal investigations have been opened this year related to these crimes.

Extortion Cases Linked to Inmates

The State Attorney General’s Office reported that of the 64 complaints filed, 48 involved phone extortions targeting business owners and merchants. Perpetrators demanded “protection payments” under threats of violence, often falsely claiming affiliation with criminal organizations. Investigations revealed that calls traced back to prisons in Mexico City, Altamira (Tamaulipas), and Veracruz.

Victims described receiving demands for money in exchange for safety, with callers using psychological intimidation. Verification of phone numbers confirmed the calls originated outside Quintana Roo.

Virtual Kidnappings and Rescues

The remaining 16 cases involved virtual kidnappings, where victims were forcibly taken from secure locations to public spaces like malls, supermarkets, or parks under duress. Authorities located and rescued all 16 individuals after emergency calls to 089 and 911, with operations conducted by the Centurión Group of the State Citizen Security Secretariat.

Arrests and Sentencing

From January 1 to May 9, 29 individuals were arrested in Quintana Roo for extortion, all of whom were remanded to preventive detention. Statewide, 168 suspects have been detained for coercion between July 1, 2023, and May 9, 2025, with 93% formally charged.

In municipalities like Benito Juárez, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel, courts have handed down sentences as severe as 37 years for these crimes.

Ongoing Collaboration

Authorities are coordinating with prison officials in other states to curb the operations. Meanwhile, local businesses continue to face pressure, with some forced to close due to unsustainable extortion demands.

The state government urges victims to report extortion attempts, emphasizing that investigations are prioritized to dismantle these networks.