Woman with glasses and a gray blazer in front of microphones next to an image of people walking down a shopping street with a jewelry store sign in the background — Extortion represents a serious problem in Veracruz | La Derecha Diario

Camara — Extortion represents a serious problem in Veracruz | La Derecha Diario

Coparmex warns that 2 out of 3 business owners are victims of extortion in Veracruz

Coparmex issues a warning while Rocío Nahle's government remains silent

31/07/2025 09:27:00h

Editorial Team

Extortion in Veracruz is no longer an isolated crime and has become a constant threat to the local economy. According to data from the Employers' Confederation of the Mexican Republic (Coparmex), 66% of business owners in Veracruz have been extorted. This figure places Veracruz as one of the most dangerous states to start and maintain a business.

The government of Rocío Nahle is more focused on protecting its image than on addressing the violence suffered by Veracruz residents.

Brown-haired woman with glasses speaking at a podium with the Veracruz coat of arms and a Mexican flag in the background

Morena Governor Rocio Nahle | La Derecha Diario

Impunity and fear

The situation has become unsustainable. The recent murder of retired teacher Irma Hernández, who refused to pay an extortion fee, is a heartbreaking example of what Veracruz residents are facing. The crime was perpetrated by an armed commando that kidnapped, tortured, and displayed her in front of a video camera.

This atrocious act sparked a wave of outrage, but it did not provoke any forceful response from the state government. Instead of taking responsibility, the authorities have chosen to downplay the problem or hide behind justifications.

Dark-haired woman with glasses sitting in front of a landscape of lake and mountains

Retired teacher Irma Hernández was the victim of a terrorist group | La Derecha Diario

Coparmex demands results

At a press conference, Alberto Aja, president of Coparmex Veracruz, warned that extortion is no longer exclusive to organized crime. Today, common criminals also operate freely and without consequences.

In addition to economic pressure, fear has become a determining factor in business decision-making.

"Business owners don't report because they know there is no protection."

Aja warned.

The inaction of the state prosecutor's office and the authorities has caused a sense of abandonment and impunity among the population.

COPARMEX warned about the increase in this crime | La Derecha Diario

An overwhelmed government

Despite these alarming figures, the government of Nahle has not presented a concrete action plan to stop the wave of extortions. The governor has chosen to focus on defending herself against media questioning, while thousands of Veracruz residents live under threat.

Veracruz, one of the states with the greatest economic and tourism potential in the country, is being consumed by insecurity and the ineptitude of its authorities.

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