Police officers will face up to 42 years in prison for extorting citizens under the new anti-extortion law.

The recently approved General Law to Prevent, Investigate, and Punish Extortion Offenses establishes penalties of up to 42 years in prison for public servants who commit acts of extortion, including federal, state, and municipal police officers, traffic agents, and customs personnel. With this measure, Congress seeks to send a strong message against institutional corruption and ensure that those who abuse their positions face exemplary punishments.

According to recent investigations, 937 municipal and state officers are currently facing charges for acts of corruption, including demanding bribes and arbitrary arrests. Truck drivers have reported that at highway checkpoints, some police officers and members of the National Guard demand up to 15,000 pesos for each illegal detention, while business owners report being charged exorbitant fees at customs to allow the passage of goods.

The new legislation standardizes the crime of extortion across all 32 federal entities and strengthens penalties against public officials, seeking to curb corruption from within institutions. The Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection complements this action with the National Strategy against Extortion, which includes the creation of local Anti-Extortion Units, protocols for victim assistance, and strengthening the 089 hotline for anonymous reports.

Advice to the public

If you are a victim of extortion by police officers or agents:

• Do not make any payments or negotiate with those responsible.
• Report immediately to the 089 hotline or to the corresponding Prosecutor’s Office.
• Record details of the incident (location, time, names, badge numbers, or descriptions of the officers).
• Seek legal support and assistance from civil society organizations.
• Publicize the case through official and community channels to protect other citizens.

In short: The new law not only toughens penalties against organized crime, but also places police officers and agents who betray their duty under scrutiny. With sentences of up to 42 years in prison, the State seeks to restore public trust and eradicate institutional extortion.

Source: tribunadelicias