Financial Crime World

Violence Plagues Mexico: Report Reveals Alarming Trends

Mexico City, [Date] - A recent report has shed light on the alarming levels of violence plaguing Mexico, highlighting a staggering 94% of kidnapping cases went unreported in 2019.

According to the report, robbery was one of the most common crimes, with over 604,000 cases reported in 2020. While there was a 20% decrease from the previous year, experts warn that many more cases go unreported.

  • The majority of robberies were categorized as “auto and auto-related theft”, followed closely by “other” robberies.
  • Financial or commercial institutions also saw a significant number of robberies.

Hotspots for Robberies

Ecatepec de Morelos in the State of Mexico reported the highest number of robberies, with 21,291 cases, followed by:

  • Guadalajara, Jalisco
  • Querétaro, Querétaro
  • Tijuana, Baja California
  • Iztapalapa, Mexico City

Violence Against Women

Meanwhile, violence against women continued to rise, with a total of 10.3 women killed daily in 2020. The State of Mexico reported the highest number of femicide cases, followed by:

  • Nuevo León
  • Jalisco
  • Chihuahua

Organized Crime Groups

The report also highlighted the growing presence of organized crime groups, particularly the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which has expanded its operations to at least 23 out of 32 Mexican states. CJNG’s growth seems to be focused in the central states, including Mexico City, and along strategic drug corridors.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on violent crime, with many organized crime operations initially disrupted by supply-chain disruptions, fluctuating drug prices, and closed borders. However, some groups took advantage of the void left by the federal government and stepped in to provide humanitarian assistance.

Government Criticism

The Mexican government has faced criticism for its handling of human rights complaints, particularly those alleging serious misconduct by the military and National Guard. President López Obrador’s comments on violence against women have also been criticized, with many accusing him of downplaying the issue.

Security Cooperation with US

Tensions over U.S.-Mexico security cooperation intensified in 2020, especially after the arrest of former Mexican defense minister Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda on drug trafficking and money laundering charges. The newly negotiated Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health, and Safe Communities aims to revive bilateral security cooperation and address these issues.

Expert Warning

As Mexico struggles to combat its violent crime epidemic, experts warn that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem and protect vulnerable communities.