A few weeks ago iServer was dismantled, the illegal platform which, for $120 per month, gave technical instructions and methods of phishing to unlock lost and stolen iPhones. The Specialized Cybercrime Fiscal Unit (UFECI) found sufficient evidence and, to date, five people have been arrested. But this is nothing, perhaps the tip of the iceberg in a country where the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada is a social event.
A business security survey by the Mexican American Chamber showed that Mexican drug traffickers and mafias control nearly a fifth of the country's market. So much so that some people choose to use fake phones. to prevent the real ones from being stolen. Crime is so damaging to the economic fabric that some companies have abandoned Mexico altogether. And let's not forget that there is a large gray market in Mexico. How did drug dealers gain control?
Social alarm: half of the country's businesses have been victims of theft
13%, nothing less. The impact of organized crime on businesses operating in Mexico is enormous: these mafias partially or completely control product distribution and sales operations, reflecting a worrying consolidation of criminal power. In addition, 54% of companies identify the theft of goods in transit as their main concernfollowed by extortion and blockade.
And iPhone theft and trafficking are particularly juicy, since Apple products have a higher profit margin than low-end terminals. These are particularly attractive assets for criminal networks and although Apple has many tools to block terminals, there are still methods to avoid them, especially when they extort the owner to unlock the iPhone.
In cold figures, the cost of crime is very high: 60% of businesses are considered to be affected by organized or common crime. 25% of CEOs and directors report feeling afraid in the workplace. And this leads to investing in security: 58% of those surveyed say they spend between 2% and 10% of their annual budget on security measures. In fact, 80% of companies train their employees in physical and technological security issues.
The biggest concern is the theft of goods in transit, which affects more than half of the country's businesses. And extortion is not left out either: 53% “concern” among the companies surveyed. The “right to speak” stands out as one of the most common practices, which is none other than traditional extortion: Criminals show up at businesses and demand a certain amount of money in exchange for protection. If you refuse, they destroy the place… and worse.
Hot zones: the risk map for businesses
Geographically, the states most affected by organized crime are Guanajuato, Jaliscom and Michoacán, considered the “crime paradise”, while Yucatán and Baja California stand out for their relative security. However, the insecurity is such that it has led to 17% of companies will reduce their investments in Mexico and 9% to move operations to safer states or even overseas.
According to the report, Mexico City leaves the top 3 most dangerous areas and falls to seventh place, marking a notable improvement. On the other hand, Guerrero bursts onto the list, ranking eighth among the states of greatest concern for businesses.
And the police? The system is unreliable
Logically, the lack of confidence in the authorities is another critical point: according to the same report, 75% of businesses have little or no confidence in the municipal policewhile 67% distrust ministerial authorities. Even at the state level, 29% perceive little or no effectiveness.
This public safety gap has led 59% of businesses to opt for private security and technologies like GPS trackers and digital surveillance to mitigate risks. Currently, an estimated 59% of businesses have partnered with corporate security services or are using private services.
Beyond the numbers, the problem reflects a systemic divide. Apple is currently investing in India, but also continues to support China and is in talks with Argentina to conclude several agreements and with USA, notably in Segovia. Investing in Mexico makes sense, it is a gigantic country full of valuable resources. But the current situation limits the country's potential at a key moment in trade between China and the United States. It is not the crime itself that matters, but the country's capacity to act. and face your own future.
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