The state attorney general warned that any public servant caught extorting will be automatically dismissed; more than 10,000 officers are patrolling the highways during the holiday period.
The state attorney general warned that any public servant caught extorting will be automatically dismissed; more than 10,000 officers are patrolling the highways during the holiday period.
Coahuila Attorney General Federico Fernández Montañez stated that any officer caught attempting to extort money from Mexican nationals on highways will be removed from their post and barred from further service.
“Automatic dismissal and an administrative process will be initiated,” he said, detailing the security operation deployed in the state. He emphasized that, although no recent cases have been reported, there is an open protocol for receiving complaints on the hotline 844 675 9809.
He noted that more than 10,000 officers from various agencies are operating throughout the state during the holiday period, without breaks and under constant supervision. He mentioned that the deployment includes urban areas, rural roads and trails, as well as aerial patrols.
“We are monitoring the situation at all times,” he said, after reporting that a new Navy commander has joined the strategy without altering the existing coordination with the State.
The highway operation—in which the Army, National Guard, Navy, Attorney General’s Office (FGR), State Police, and municipal police participate—operates with checkpoints coordinated through the State Security Council, he said.
The prosecutor added that Coahuila is a frequent transit point for Mexican nationals and visitors, so permanent surveillance is maintained. “We want them to feel safe traveling through here.”
In addition to monitoring corporations, efforts are ongoing to prevent fraud committed by individuals from other states, particularly targeting senior citizens at ATMs or during the collection of Christmas bonuses.
Fernández warned about tactics such as fake assistance with bank withdrawals. “Don’t be misled; it’s better to seek help from family members,” he advised.
He explained that they have intensified prevention talks in various regions of the state, although he acknowledged that many incidents go unreported. Even so, he noted that no incidents have been reported that put victims’ lives at risk, and he reiterated the key recommendation: avoid falling for telephone scams and report any extortion attempts.
Source: Vanguardia
