Honduras: DAET reports the capture of 67 alleged extortionists in its first two months of operations

The Anti-Extortion and Terrorist Associations Division (DAET) reported that during its first two months of operations, it has managed to capture 67 people accused of their alleged participation in crimes related to extortion in different areas of the country.

Commissioner Cristian Nolasco explained that the results are the product of investigations carried out by the specialized unit and complaints filed by citizens through the 143 telephone line, which is enabled to report these types of crimes.

According to the official, the actions have made it possible to affect the operations of criminal structures dedicated to extortion and avoid economic losses exceeding 100 million lempiras for the victims.

The DAET indicated that it will continue to strengthen investigations to identify more members of organizations dedicated to this crime.

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According to Nolasco, those detained include men, women, minors, and even family groups who were allegedly involved in activities related to extortion.

The commissioner highlighted that the information provided by citizens has been decisive in developing the investigations and executing the operations. The division stated that it prevented losses exceeding 100 million lempiras.

The authorities reiterated that reporting remains a fundamental tool for identifying those responsible and protecting the affected individuals.

Likewise, they called for continued use of official channels to report threats or illegal charges.

Operations against criminal structures

Among the most recent actions, the DAET reported the capture of two brothers identified as alleged members of the 18th Street Gang.

The arrest was carried out in the Zapote Norte sector, where, according to investigations, both were keeping transporters who cover different routes in the country under threat.

The authorities indicated that the victims operated mainly on routes to Los Junqueños, as well as on corridors connecting to Nacaome, Choluteca, Santa Bárbara, and Intibucá.

According to the investigation, these structures obtained significant income through the systematic collection of extortion payments.

More than L100 million stopped reaching criminal groups

Nolasco stated that the actions executed by the DAET have made it possible to prevent more than 100 million lempiras from continuing to reach criminal organizations.

The official maintained that these resources were used to strengthen the operations of criminal groups operating in different regions of the country.

Authorities consider that affecting the finances of these structures represents an important part of the strategy to reduce the incidence of this crime.

Authorities attribute the results to the reports received through the 143 hotline.

The DAET reiterated that it will continue to carry out operations in coordination with the Public Ministry and under the supervision of judicial authorities.

The commissioner assured that all investigations are carried out respecting constitutional guarantees, due process, and the presumption of innocence.

In addition, he invited the public to report any extortion attempt, highlighting that the information provided by victims is key to dismantling criminal organizations and strengthening security in the country.

The authorities pointed out that one of the main objectives of the DAET is to weaken the financial structures of organizations dedicated to extortion, through investigations that allow for the identification of both those who carry out the collections and those who manage or receive the money obtained illicitly.

Likewise, they reiterated that the collaboration of the citizenry is fundamental to advance the investigations, for which they urged victims to report any threat or attempt at extortion.

According to the institution, the information provided allows for planning operations with greater precision and expanding actions to dismantle these criminal networks.