In a small town in Mexico’s Michoacán state, residents were forced to pay for high-cost internet service under threat of death by a criminal group. Despite reporting the situation to authorities, residents made monthly extortion payments. After months of investigations, officials raided three properties, finding evidence of internet equipment. While surprising, the involvement of drug cartels in non-drug related activities is not new, as many of them engaged in various criminal endeavors prior to drug trafficking.
Drug cartels, such as the Sinaloa and CJNG, are known to be involved in various illegal ventures beyond drug trafficking, such as extortion, fuel theft, and migrant smuggling. Fuel theft, known as huachicoleo in Mexico, is a highly profitable activity for organized crime groups, involving corruption, violence, and precision. The lucrative avocado industry in Mexico has also been targeted by cartels, with growers facing threats and extortion demands from CJNG and local gangs.
Extortion from cartels also affects tortilla shops in Mexico, with nearly 20,000 establishments paying fees to criminal groups. Small businesses in Mexico City are also subject to extortion fees from cartels, such as the “cobro de piso” charged in exchange for protection. The problem of extortion is on the rise, with many businesses reporting threats and demands for payments. The situation highlights the extensive criminal reach of cartels in Mexico, engaging in a range of illegal activities beyond drug trafficking to generate profits.
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