Yucatán Truckers Warn of Fake Kidnapping Extortion Calls Demanding 200,000 Pesos

Mérida, Yucatán — Freight operators in Yucatán are on alert after at least two attempted extortions in which criminals falsely claimed that dump truck drivers had been kidnapped and demanded up to 200,000 pesos for their release.

Andrés Poot Alonzo, president of the Mexican Association of Transport and Cargo Organizations (Amotac), said he learned of a case in Conkal in which men traveling on a motorcycle and an all-terrain vehicle intercepted a dump truck by posing as clients requesting a hauling service.

According to the account, the suspects forced the driver out of the vehicle, seized his cell phone and made him place a video call to his employer, demanding 200,000 pesos in exchange for freeing him.

Poot Alonzo said the National Guard and the Public Security Department (SSP) intervened, preventing the suspects from collecting the money. He noted the incident appeared similar to another recent report in the same area.

Amotac also urged operators to step up vigilance on rural roads in Kanasín, the 50 Sur area and along the Carretera 86, where drivers and companies hauling freight and materials may face similar risks.

GPS check foils extortion attempt

Authorities confirmed a related case involving a telephone extortion attempt against the owner of a freight and materials company. The caller claimed that one of the company’s drivers had been kidnapped along with a dump truck and demanded 200,000 pesos.

The businessman checked the truck’s location using GPS and called 9-1-1 for help. SSP officers found the vehicle in the La Guadalupana neighborhood in southern Mérida and confirmed that the 42-year-old driver was working normally and knew nothing about the threats.

The check ruled out the supposed kidnapping and prevented the payment from being made. The State Police and the State Prosecutor’s Office have recorded the phone number used for the threats and opened an investigation.