Despite the increase in reports of extortion, the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) believes there is a hidden figure that can raise the numbers even more.
Emilio Segura, head of the Various Offenses Section, thinks the biggest obstacle to face this type of crime lies in the fear or shame of the victims to file complaints.
Extortion increases as a crime in the country. In 2015, 168 complaints were received, and the following year this number rose to 221 cases. In 2017, the indicator is already above 90 (almost 22 a month).
This crime is set up when there is a threat or intimidation to request an economic payment in exchange for something.
In view of this situation, Segura asked the public for their collaboration to file the complaints to investigate the criminal groups.
The country highlights three types of extortion, fully identified by the authorities:
Sex photos: intimate and sexually tinged pictures are in hands of the criminals, who ask for money in exchange for keeping them private.
Tolls: criminal groups charge formal or informal taxi drivers for entering certain communities. There were cases in Alajuelita and Calle Fallas Desamparados.
Loans: Criminal organizations offer loans at exorbitant rates to desperate people. If they do not pay fees on time, a third person appears to threaten the debtors.
Recommendations:
Avoid giving personal information to strangers.
Do not use nicknames like ‘mom’, ‘dad’ or ‘home’ in your cell phone.
Protect your cell phone and email with passwords that only you remember.
Avoid posting personal information on social networks.
Never provide third parties with information about your place of work or home location.
Keep your family members informed about the places you visit.
The authorities have their eyes on a gang linked to Akl brothers, foreigners of Canadian origin who apparently extorted people who would have obtained informal loans with them.