Michoacán Arrests 50 for Extortion, Including Nine Alleged Leaders

Michoacán is intensifying its crackdown on extortion, with Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla vowing to redouble efforts against those threatening producers and businesses. In the first six months of 2026, authorities arrested 50 individuals suspected of extortion, with nine identified as alleged criminal leaders. All are currently in pretrial detention.

Ramírez Bedolla highlighted that recent strategic arrests, conducted in collaboration with the federal administration, have significantly weakened the structure of violent criminal groups operating in the state. Among the key captures is Ramón “N,” alias “El R1,” believed to be the mastermind behind the murder of former Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo. This case alone has led to 32 arrests.

"El R1" is also linked to the extortion of avocado and lime producers in the region. Another significant arrest was Alfonso “N,” alias “La Quiringua,” identified as a major criminal operator in the Los Reyes, Peribán, Tocumbo, Cotija, and Tingüindín areas, involved in extortion and drug trafficking. The governor also noted the January arrest of César “N,” alias “El Botox,” and 14 members of the "Los Blancos de Troya" cell, implicated in the murder of lime leader Bernardo Bravo.

This year's arrests far surpass the 17 individuals detained for extortion in all of 2021, a testament to enhanced intelligence and operational efforts by state and federal security forces. Ramírez Bedolla asserted that since 2024, Michoacán has led the nation in combating impunity.