On March 12, 2025, Gerardo Vázquez Alatriste, the Attorney General of Guanajuato, made his first appearance before the Local Congress, marking a significant step toward implementing changes aimed at combatting extortion, which has been increasingly prevalent across the region. During his presentation, he outlined plans to adopt an Italian model to address this pressing issue, known for its success internationally. Vázquez Alatriste noted, "It is an Italian model of action, and based on various sources, it has demonstrated the best results. While there's no guarantee of 100% effectiveness against criminal activities due to various factors, I've specialized in studies related to organized crime, both locally and abroad. That’s why I reference this model as the most promising.”
The attorney general's proposals come at a time when extortion-related crimes have been on the rise, particularly in municipalities like Celaya, Irapuato, and Salamanca. Vázquez Alatriste reported during his questioning by legislators about the law enforcement efforts already undertaken, which led to the arrests of at least 20 people connected to extortion groups. Just the previous day, on March 11, law enforcement conducted raids, leading to the apprehension of another criminal cell, aimed at disrupting the network of extortionists operating throughout the state.
Remarkably, reports indicate noticeable decreases in extortion incidents during the weeks leading up to March 13. The Attorney General expressed hopes about this trend, emphasizing, "We believe this new model of attention will substantially reduce extortion rates.” This optimism stems from the coordination efforts among the police and local institutions as they work collaboratively to reform existing frameworks and involved parties.
Vázquez Alatriste's initiative is part of broader reforms he intends to propose to the Guanajuato State Congress concerning combatting extortion effectively. He stated, “Addressing this crime requires a shared responsibility from legislators as well.” Such collaborative efforts may prove pivotal as the region grapples with growing concerns about public safety and the impact of extortion on local businesses and families.
Since the establishment of the Anti-Extortion Squad on September 26, 2024, significant strides have been made. The squad has managed 106 cases and intervened successfully in 12 virtual kidnappings. Their actions have resulted in the rescue of 18 individuals and have prevented over 8 million pesos from being extorted from victims. Governor Libia García expressed her support and appreciation for the squad's efforts, particularly noting how extortion has deeply affected families and merchants, particularly in Irapuato. She underscored, "We created the Anti-Extortion Squad to combat this issue, and it has already shown early successes within this short time frame.”
Governor García also reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and tackling extortion comprehensively. She remains optimistic about the continued impact of law enforcement reforms and the collaborative approaches being taken to safeguard the community.
The challenges posed by extortion are entrenched, making the response from local authorities not only necessary but urgent. Vázquez Alatriste's embrace of international practices, coupled with local expertise, could usher in more effective strategies to dismantle the networks facilitating these crimes. Updates and insights will follow as developments continue to arise from this initiative and subsequent legislative measures.