In the State of Mexico, federal and state authorities launched the 'Disconnection' operation to combat extortion and dismantle networks linked to illegal loans. According to a statement from the State of Mexico Prosecutor's Office, the operation was carried out over 46 days as part of the National Strategy against Extortion. As a result, 102 people were arrested 'in compliance with an arrest warrant and caught in the act,' including 25 Mexicans and 77 foreigners. The statement also mentions the seizure of 192 properties, including 67 'call center' type operation centers, five loan headquarters, 14 drug sales points, and 106 establishments identified as 'black businesses.' According to investigations, these spaces were used to commit indirect extortion via phone calls, messages, and digital platforms, as well as to operate credit schemes with abusive interest rates. Authorities identified a pattern linking these activities to other crimes such as express kidnapping, human trafficking, money laundering, and identity theft. Between July 2025 and March 2026, the State of Mexico Prosecutor's Office received 1,084 complaints of extortion, 62 percent of which were non-personal. 'Between July 8, 2025 – the start date of the National Strategy – and until March 30, 2026, the Prosecutor's Office of the State of Mexico received 1,084 complaints for the crime of extortion,' they also reported. Authorities indicated that some of the detainees have already been linked to the criminal process, while for foreigners, immigration authorities were involved to determine their legal status. As part of the National Strategy against Extortion in the State of Mexico, elements of @Defensamx1, @SEMAR_mx, @SSPCMexico, @FGRMexico, and @GN_MEXICO, in coordination with @FiscaliaEdomex and @SS_Edomex, executed the 'Disconnection' operation. In these actions, scripts and manuals used to deceive and coerce victims were detected. Authorities stated that the operation weakened the operational, logistical, and financial structure of criminal groups dedicated to these practices. Of the total, 62 percent were committed non-personally, that is, under the modality known as 'indirect extortion,' the statement notes. During the raids, technological equipment, phones, chips, personal data documentation, and materials used to commit fraud and extortionate collections were secured.
