Morelos Authorities Disrupt Extortion Ring, Deport 24 Colombians – A Growing Threat Exposed
Cuernavaca, Morelos – July 16, 2025 – A significant blow has been dealt to organized crime in the Mexican state of Morelos, with authorities announcing the deportation of 24 Colombian citizens directly linked to a particularly insidious form of extortion known as “drop-by-drop” (gota a gota). The operation, led by Secretary of Public Security Miguel Angel Urrutia Lozano, signals a renewed focus on tackling this escalating criminal activity and its connection to broader organized crime networks. This is breaking news that underscores the evolving challenges facing Mexican law enforcement.
The ‘Drop-by-Drop’ Extortion Scheme: A Deep Dive
“Drop-by-drop” extortion preys on vulnerable individuals by offering small, informal loans with exorbitant interest rates. When borrowers struggle to repay, they face increasingly aggressive threats, including threats to their lives and those of their families. But the danger doesn’t stop at the initial loan. According to Urrutia Lozano, this practice is a gateway to more serious crimes. Victims are routinely coerced into handing over their identification documents, which are then used for identity theft, vehicle title fraud, and even real estate scams. This makes the initial ‘loan’ a sophisticated entry point into a web of criminal activity.
The affected municipalities – Cuernavaca, Jiutepec, Yautepec, Emiliano Zapata, Temixco, and Tepoztlán – have become hotspots for this type of exploitation, with Tepoztlán serving as a key residence and interconnection point for the criminals. The scale of the problem is only now becoming fully apparent, as previous administrations reportedly lacked the will to investigate and prosecute these cases.
Organized Crime Connections: ‘Los Maya’ and ‘The Michoacan Family’
This isn’t simply a case of isolated criminals. Authorities have uncovered strong links between the “drop-by-drop” extortionists and established organized crime groups operating in Morelos. Urrutia Lozano specifically identified “Los Maya” in Cuernavaca and “The Michoacan Family” in Jiutepec as key players. These groups provide a network of protection and logistical support, allowing the extortionists to operate with relative impunity. Understanding these connections is crucial for dismantling the entire criminal infrastructure. This highlights a worrying trend of transnational criminal organizations exploiting local vulnerabilities.
Criminals Surveilled the Surveillers: Wi-Fi Camera Network Dismantled
In a surprising turn, authorities also revealed that the criminals were actively monitoring police operations using a network of hidden Wi-Fi cameras. These cameras, strategically placed on utility poles throughout the region (Cuernavaca, Jiutepec, Temixco, Zapata, Huitzilac, Yautepec and Cuautla), provided real-time surveillance of law enforcement movements. So far, 93 devices have been removed, disrupting the criminals’ ability to anticipate and evade capture. This demonstrates a level of sophistication and resourcefulness that underscores the seriousness of the threat. This tactic, while not new, is becoming increasingly common as criminals adapt to law enforcement technology.
The dismantling of this surveillance network represents a significant victory for Morelos authorities, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which these criminals will go to protect their operations. The current administration’s proactive approach, in contrast to previous inaction, is a critical step in reclaiming control of the region. This case serves as a valuable lesson for other regions facing similar challenges: proactive investigation, coupled with a focus on dismantling the entire criminal network – not just arresting individual perpetrators – is essential for long-term success. For readers interested in learning more about combating financial crime, resources from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) offer valuable insights.
The fight against organized crime in Morelos is far from over, but this recent operation sends a clear message: authorities are taking action, and they are determined to protect the citizens of the state. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the challenges facing Mexico’s law enforcement agencies. We’ll continue to provide SEO-optimized breaking news and insightful reporting.