Publicado el 19 Diciembre 2025
PM Expands Nationwide Reach with New Anti-Extortion Offices
The Attorney General of the Republic and Chief of the Public Ministry, Ms. María Consuelo Porras Argueta, led the inauguration of eight new Anti-Extortion Prosecutor’s Offices in various regions of the country, part of an ongoing effort to strengthen criminal prosecution and provide more effective support to victims of this growing crime.
As per Agreement 90-2025 issued by the Attorney General, the new prosecutor’s offices have been established in the departments of Totonicapán, Petén, Quiché, Sololá, Chiquimula, Zacapa, El Progreso, and Baja Verapaz. These additions aim to increase institutional coverage and deliver more timely and effective responses to the public.
Extortion is a multi-faceted crime that not only targets the financial assets of individuals but also threatens their freedom, safety, and in many cases, their lives—creating a significant impact on public security and well-being.
In her remarks, the Attorney General stated:
«The numbers are clear and concerning: in 2024, our office received 16,121 extortion complaints, and in 2025 so far, we have already received 19,121. These numbers not only reflect the troubling scale of the issue but also the trust the public has in coming forward to report and seek justice.»
She also emphasized that, as of 2025, 167 firearms used in extortion and related crimes have been seized, and 1,888 individuals have been convicted for crimes such as extortion, illicit association, obstruction of traffic extortion, conspiracy to commit murder, and murder.
The creation of these new prosecutor’s offices, driven by Ms. Porras Argueta, is a direct response to the increasing criminal activity in the country and the need to strengthen the presence of the Public Ministry throughout the national territory.
The new offices will serve the public to investigate and address complaints related to extortion, intimidation, obstruction of extortion-related traffic, and other crimes aimed at obtaining illegal financial gains or other benefits.
The Attorney General concluded by thanking the dedication and commitment of the Public Ministry’s staff, whose hard work brings justice closer to those affected. She also reaffirmed her commitment to continuing the fight against extortion and other crimes that threaten citizens’ safety and well-being, ensuring effective criminal prosecution and comprehensive support for victims.
The Public Ministry encourages citizens to trust in its work and report extortion cases through the new offices. Reports can be made by calling 1574, using the PM Virtual app, or visiting the official website.
Guatemala, December 18, 2025