Merchants in downtown León, Guanajuato, have become the target of an extortion gang that lends money using the “gota a gota” (drop by drop) method. Threats of “killing” people, harassment, and kidnappings are how the Colombians try to collect the money they lend.
Audio recordings obtained by several newspapers reveal how this gang intimidates those who owe them money. One man, in order to secure his freedom from a 20,000-peso debt, had to sign several promissory notes totaling half a million pesos, which the Colombians began collecting on the day after his release.
Merchants in the city center and market areas report that this scheme, aimed at those who cannot obtain bank credit, is causing displacement, closures, and widespread fear among small businesses.
The scheme, according to victims and security experts, involves offering quick cash at high interest rates and short repayment terms. By the time victims try to repay the debt, the amounts have already multiplied due to interest and fees, becoming insurmountable.
That’s when the organization resorts to pressure tactics ranging from threatening phone calls and visits to homes or businesses, to direct intimidation with physical violence and kidnappings of debtors or their families.
“After receiving this money at an exorbitant, very high interest rate… when the victims went to make the payment, and finally free themselves from that debt, it was refused, and the debt multiplied exponentially,” explained David Saucedo, a security consultant, during an interview.
Saucedo added that the lenders have detailed information on their clients—names, phone numbers, addresses, and family networks—which facilitates direct threats to families and constant harassment.
