crime
April 6, 2026
Reports of extortion under the false service modality have increased by 200% in Cartagena
The Gaula team of the Metropolitan Police of Cartagena told Noticias RCN that reports of extortion, under the false service modality, have increased by 200% so far in 2026.
TL;DR
- Extortion reports via fake services have increased by 200% in Cartagena in 2026.
- Transport workers and delivery drivers are the main targets.
- Criminals solicit services in peripheral areas, kidnap victims, and demand money from families and companies.
- The Gaula commander advises verifying who is requesting a service and avoiding meetings if the purpose is unknown.
- Fake kidnapping reports have also risen in Bogotá and surrounding municipalities.
- During Semana Santa, platform, cargo, and transport drivers were kidnapped after accepting services.
- In Bojacá, a truck driver was kidnapped for a moving service, with kidnappers demanding 50 million pesos.
- In Bosa, Bogotá, an app driver was kidnapped and threatened with having an ear cut off unless 20 million pesos were paid.