Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Mexico City Congress Approves Harsher Sentences for Property Despojo, Threats and Criminal Association

Lawmakers pointed to rising complaints to justify stronger protections for property owners, including vulnerable groups.

Overview

  • Lawmakers voted unanimously to pass a coordinated reform package that updates several crimes in the local penal code.
  • Prison terms for despojo rise to a maximum of 11 years, with a reported fine of up to 200,000 UMA when a property is taken by physical or moral violence.
  • Penalties increase to 7–11 years when victims are seniors, people with disabilities, minors, pregnant women or members of indigenous communities, with additional aggravating circumstances specified.
  • The law adds enforcement tools by criminalizing tactics such as simulation of legal acts and identity impersonation, and it punishes continued occupation after an authority orders a property vacated.
  • The package also broadens the offense of threats, including gender-based and digital forms, and raises sanctions for asociación delictuosa to 5–10 years, or 10–15 years when members commit crimes such as robbery, extortion or homicide.