Six Men Arrested for Extortion in Cozumel, Demanded Monthly Payments for ‘Protection’
Cozumel, Quintana Roo — State prosecutors have arrested six men accused of extorting a tour vendor on the island of Cozumel, demanding monthly payments of 50,000 pesos (about $2,500) as a so-called “derecho de piso” or protection fee.
The Quintana Roo Attorney General’s Office said investigators from the state police, working with the Public Security Department, served arrest warrants for Bismarck Yahir “N,” Luis Diego “N,” Cuitláhuac “N,” Luis Fernando “N,” Álvaro “N,” and Nelson “N.”
According to the investigation, the alleged extortion took place on September 29, 2025, at the Muelle Fiscal dock in Cozumel. The suspects reportedly arrived armed and demanded the victim pay 50,000 pesos each month to continue selling tours. The victim made the payments for several months before filing a complaint.
After building a case file, prosecutors obtained arrest warrants from a judge, which investigators executed. The six suspects have been handed over to the judicial authorities, who will determine their legal status within the constitutional timeframe.
Javier Mendez covers public safety, law enforcement, and legal affairs in Quintana Roo. He monitors official reports from the FGE (State Prosecutor's Office), the Mexican Navy, and municipal police to deliver accurate English summaries of crime, trafficking cases, arrests, and court rulings affecting the Riviera Maya region.Javier has been covering crime and public safety news since 2023, reporting on cases ranging from felony arrests and human trafficking investigations to court proceedings and organized crime-related incidents across Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Chetumal. His reporting provides English-speaking residents and travelers with reliable, timely information about safety conditions in Quintana Roo's major tourist destinations.Javier works closely with official government sources and press offices to verify facts before publication, and maintains an archive of law enforcement communications to provide context for ongoing stories. He is dedicated to accurate, factual reporting on complex safety issues that affect both residents and visitors to the region.For story tips: javier@rivieramayanews.mx
