Pay or Get Deported’: The Chilling Threat Behind a California Extortion Ring

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Sheriff’s Department uncovers how fear and immigration status were weaponized for profit.

California Police Warn Immigrants at Risk of Deportation: “No One Should Do This”
• Authorities in the Golden State issued a statement directed at foreigners in the territory.
• What is happening, and why did they alert the community?

The situation for undocumented immigrants in California is becoming increasingly complex due to recent national measures to expel them from the country. Recently, police in the Golden State warned this community—who are at risk of deportation—not to fall for a scam.

In a statement, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department revealed that, a few days earlier, a man had paid over $100,000 in an extortion scheme related to his immigration status.

According to authorities, “a woman allegedly threatened to have the victim deported if he didn’t pay the requested amount.”

Police were alerted to this type of scam targeting the immigrant community in early March. The case was assigned to the Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team. Investigators later identified Yvette López, 43, a resident of Hemet, as the primary suspect. She was located and arrested without incident on March 25.

An accomplice, identified as Bertha Gasso, 67, was found with López and was also arrested. Both women face multiple charges related to theft, including extortion.

The Sheriff’s Department stated that, due to the large sum of money involved, they will formally request a white-collar crime enhancement from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. White-collar crime refers to non-violent crimes committed through deception for financial gain.

“Extortion is a serious crime, and no one should be intimidated or pressured into handing over their hard-earned money,” said the police. Authorities also urged the public to report any suspicious activity.