Woman rescued from virtual extortion in Benito Juárez

Cancún, MX. — The State Attorney General’s Office, through the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Kidnapping and Extortion Crimes, rescued a young woman who was a victim of virtual extortion in Benito Juárez. This action halted a chain of bank deposits that family members had already begun making after receiving intimidating phone calls.

According to the investigation, a man contacted the woman via WhatsApp under the pretext of developing a project and arranged to meet her at a property in the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood, along the Cancún–Mérida highway. The following day, the young woman went accompanied by her uncle and her minor son.

At the location, the individual made a video call and asked for “reference” contact numbers, which turned out to be those of her husband and a friend. He then claimed that the property owner did not allow visits that day and that, therefore, a fine of approximately 8 million pesos would be imposed, which the victim had to cover.

The extortionist called the husband to demand payment. The husband transferred 7,000 pesos, although he was asked for 300,000 pesos, while the uncle also deposited 7,000 pesos into the indicated account. Afterwards, the victims received instructions to leave towards the highway while continuing to receive pressure calls.

Faced with the situation, they decided to go to the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office, where they filed a complaint and were provided with protection.

The Quintana Roo State Attorney General’s Office called on citizens to immediately report any extortion attempts and reminded them that an early reaction helps prevent harm to people’s integrity and assets. (Source: FGE)