The National Strategy against extortion is facing setbacks in southern Veracruz after Judge Indira Abigail Hernández Villalba released José Javier “N,” accused of extorting a bar owner in Coatzacoalcos.
Despite the Specialized Unit for Combating Kidnapping and Extortion (UECS) proving his involvement as the owner of the bank account where the deposits were received, the judge changed the pretrial detention order to periodic check-ins, a travel ban, and a restraining order prohibiting him from approaching the victim.
The accused is an accomplice of Jesús Alberto “N,” arrested days earlier in the act and currently incarcerated at the Duport Ostión prison. Both threatened the bar owner via WhatsApp, impersonating members of organized crime and sending her photos of her house.
The judge’s decision contravenes Article 19 of the Constitution, which, since December 2024, has included extortion as a crime warranting mandatory pretrial detention.
Out of fear, the victim decided to close her business and leave the city, while authorities continue operations to combat this crime in the southern region of Veracruz.
The use of applications like WhatsApp for extortion and the impersonation of alleged members of organized crime have become a growing criminal practice. Data from the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP) reveals an increase in extortion reports nationwide.
Federal authorities warn that criminal groups are refining their methods with techniques of psychological intimidation and digital manipulation to generate fear and extort money from their victims.
Source: radioformula
