62 Companies in Quintana Roo Respond to Extortion Survey – See the Insights!

A total of 62 companies have participated in the 2024 Extortion Victimization of Companies survey in Quintana Roo. The survey, organized by the Quintana Roo Citizen Security and Justice Board and the Atrocious Crime Research Center, aims to gain a deeper understanding of the state of extortion in the region. The survey will continue to accept responses until September 29.

As of recent reports, 62 completed surveys have been received. The responses include 25 from Cancún, 23 from Playa del Carmen, and several from municipalities such as Othón P. Blanco and Tulum. James Tobin, the coordinator of the association, stressed the importance of participation in the survey. He noted, "This is an opportunity to give a voice and to understand it, but if they do not cooperate… if they do not answer the survey then the information will be very biased and we do not want that."

Tobin suggested that the lower response rate in certain areas could be due to a lack of awareness about the survey. He has started reaching out to organizations and chambers in those areas of Quintana Roo to inform them. However, he also acknowledged that fear of potential retaliation might be a deterrent for some. Tobin reassured that the survey is entirely anonymous, saying, "People do not want to talk because they are afraid, but here there is absolutely no kind of information that they provide that will link them to the survey."

Tobin noted that the majority of extortion victims are businesses located on the outskirts of the city, accounting for almost 90 percent of those affected. These businesses, which include tortilla shops, greengrocers, stationery stores, and other small businesses, often lack business representation, leaving them vulnerable.

The survey is divided into seven modules, designed to gather information about the participant, the company, the nature of the extortion, and its impact on the company, among other data.