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Mexico’s Lower House Sends National Anti-Extortion Law to Senate After Final Approval

Opponents warn a retroactivity clause could shorten sentences, potentially freeing hundreds.

Overview

  • The Chamber of Deputies approved the bill in general by 456–0 and in particular by 339–100 with 4 abstentions, and transmitted it to the Senate.
  • The measure establishes a single nationwide definition of extortion and a unified framework for prevention, investigation and prosecution across federal, state and municipal authorities.
  • It sets a basic penalty of 6 to 15 years in prison and fines up to about 56,570 pesos, with 34 aggravating factors that can raise sentences to 25 years; investigations proceed ex officio, anonymous complaints are allowed and authorities can order immediate blocking of phone numbers used in extortion.
  • A transitory provision permits retroactive application in favor of defendants in pending cases and sentence reviews, which PRI and PAN lawmakers say could enable about 500 releases.
  • Debate highlighted implementation gaps including no additional 2026 funding and a last‑minute change lowering penalties for public officials who fail to report extortion from 10–20 years to 5–12.