In the world of crime , there are felonies that rise from time to time. From pyramid schemes used to defraud unsuspecting victims that are lured by the promise to multiply their money , as well as telephone extortion that recently reached its peak but it is now declining.
Currently, there is a new type of crime that is taking over the country. It is a new extortion method , known as “drop by drop” ; it is an imported crime . According to official information, this crime is led by Colombians who arrive in Mexico through Cancun , they have expanded to the southeast, then the center and now the north of the country.
Their modus operandi is the following. The Colombians pose as businesspeople , they get in touch with small business owners , mainly those in street markets or those who own established stalls in markets ; Colombians offer them loans from MXN $5,000 and up to MXN $500,000 , with the false promise that the interests are low; they don't request a guarantee , bank references , or any other type of collateral .
The loan is granted without any issue. The problems arise when they demand payments . They are higher than expected and they include threats, physical violence , and even murder . For the debtors , the situation becomes intolerable; the loan is paid back with high interests , but the payments never end. There are cases where the debtors have committed suicide , in the face of the pressure the Colombian criminals exert over them.
This crime is taking over a large part of the country . It is not a minor threat , therefore, authorities should prevent this crime to be established in the country.
One of the biggest threats , if authorities don't act to prevent this extortion method , is that the bands could import much more aggressive crimes or establish alliances with Mexican criminals . So far, the contact between Colombians and Mexicans has been a “ rent payment ” in Mexico City by Colombians , in order to operate in areas dominated by the Unión Tepito cartel.
The undertone of this crime is the need, of a large part of society, for resources for their businesses or money to face emergencies . Nevertheless, they have no access to banks . If the funding channels were open for them, many of these extortion cases wouldn't take place.
Farewell to the oasis that was Mexico City?
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