FGE Captures 12 Extortionists From The CSRL In Guanajuato

A Strategic Blow Against Extortion in Guanajuato

The Guanajuato State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) announced one of the most significant operations of the year, confirming the capture of 12 members of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel (CSRL), who operated an extortion network targeting merchants, business owners, and citizens in various municipalities. The coordinated operation took place in Irapuato, Celaya, León, San Miguel de Allende, and Guanajuato City, areas that have suffered for years under the influence of this criminal group.

Authorities detailed that the results were the product of intelligence work, analysis of crime patterns, and follow-up on complaints, which allowed them to locate properties used by the alleged criminals to carry out their threats and extortions. Some of those involved already had criminal records and even prior convictions for serious crimes.

How the CSRL Extortion Network Operated

According to the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE), the detainees maintained a standardized modus operandi, designed to generate fear and control among the victims. The method consisted of sending extortion notes demanding that recipients call specific phone numbers. Once the victims called, they were threatened and forced to hand over large sums of money to avoid reprisals.

Those who didn’t give in to the demands were subjected to direct aggression, mainly shootings at businesses and vehicles as a means of intimidation. This pattern of violence had generated concern in commercial areas of various cities in the state.

In addition to the arrests, the Attorney General’s Office (FGE) reported that vehicles, cell phones, and items used to coordinate extortion were seized during the various raids. These items are now part of the ongoing investigations and could help identify more members of these cells.

FGE: Who are the detainees and what were their roles?

Among those arrested is Francisco Javier, who led a criminal cell in Irapuato, coordinating the collection of extortion payments and supervising the operatives responsible for sending threats and carrying out attacks.

Other detainees formally charged are:

Nicolás Antonio

Fernando Saúl

Brayan Alexis

Perla María del Carmen

Jorge Alfredo

Daniel

Francisco

The Attorney General’s Office also confirmed that four members have already been sentenced in expedited proceedings: Jesús, José Manuel, Tomás, and Hugo Giovanni. While the length of their sentences wasn’t disclosed, it was indicated that they had prior convictions for extortion and threats.

Five municipalities under investigation

The raids were carried out simultaneously at strategic locations to prevent escapes and potential confrontations. Municipalities such as Celaya and Irapuato, considered critical areas due to the presence of the CSRL (San Miguel de Allende Cartel), were central to the investigations. San Miguel de Allende and León, cities with high economic and tourist activity, had also registered reports of extortion attempts, which prompted their inclusion in the state operation.

According to the Attorney General’s Office (FGE), the objective wasn’t only to arrest those involved, but also to reduce the cartel’s pressure on commercial sectors, which have been affected in recent years by an increase in threats and attacks.

Impact on Businesses and Citizens

The arrests represent a relief for local business owners who had reported an escalation of financial pressure and armed attacks. The operation sends a strong message about the state’s capacity to act against those who maintain practices of economic terror.

Business organizations in various municipalities described the action as an important step, but insisted that protection and surveillance must be maintained to prevent other groups from attempting to occupy the criminal space that could be left vacant after the dismantling of this cell.

Furthermore, the capture of leaders and operatives may generate new lines of investigation into the internal structure of the CSRL and its evolution in recent months.

Coordination and Continuity in the Security Strategy

The Attorney General’s Office highlighted that the operation was made possible thanks to the collaboration between different intelligence units and tactical teams, supported by analysis of criminal patterns and victim testimonies. It also announced that efforts will continue to dismantle other cells still operating in the state.

With these results, the institution seeks to strengthen public trust in reporting mechanisms, which are essential to continue weakening criminal activities in the region.

The capture of 12 extortionists from the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel represents a significant step forward in the fight against organized crime in Guanajuato. The operation not only dismantled a network responsible for sowing fear among business owners and residents, but also sends a clear message that authorities are actively working to restore security in vulnerable areas. The continuation of these actions will be key to sustaining the impact achieved and further blocking those who operate through intimidation and violence.

Source: La Verdad Noticias