Mexican Cartel Extorts Locals with Makeshift Wi-Fi Network

Los Viagras Cartel Threatens Death for Nonpayment, Diversifying Criminal Activities Beyond Drug Trafficking

Mexican drug cartel Los Viagras has set up a makeshift Wi-Fi network in the central state of Michoacán, charging locals elevated prices to use it under threat of death.
The cartel could potentially make $150,000 a month from this scheme, charging approximately 5,000 people between 400 and 500 pesos ($25 to $30) a month.
The Wi-Fi network, dubbed 'narco-antennas' by local media, was built using stolen equipment, including routers from Mexican internet company Telmex.
Law enforcement seized the equipment and detained one person last week.
Analysts note this is part of a larger trend of Mexican cartels diversifying their criminal activities, moving beyond drug trafficking to monopolize other services and markets.