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Organized Crime in Mexico Has Reached Unprecedented Levels – What U.S. Companies Need to Know
Organized crime groups in Mexico are becoming more aggressive, more sophisticated, and more dangerous than at any point in recent history. At Reliance Partners, we work closely with cross-border shippers, carriers, manufacturers, and logistics teams every day—and the security environment our clients face today is more complex than ever.
A Growing Threat to U.S. Companies and Their People
U.S. companies operating in Mexico are increasingly encountering direct threats to employees and cargo. In conversations with logistics and security leaders across the region, one message continues to surface: conditions on key roadways have deteriorated significantly.
One executive recently shared the story of a company driver kidnapped during a hijacking attempt—a traumatic event that ultimately led the driver to resign out of fear of being targeted again. Sadly, this is far from an isolated incident.
A Daily Battle: Truck Hijackings and Driver Shortages
Mexico’s logistics sector continues to experience driver shortages, driven partly by the growing risk drivers face on the road. Today, an average of 50 trucks are violently stolen every single day in Mexico.
Major global companies—including Apple, GM, Pepsi, Walmart, and Amazon—have all been victimized by cargo hijackers.
According to the Reliance Partners Cargo Hijacking Data Portal, the region surrounding Mexico City remains the country’s most active hotspot for violent cargo theft.
Recent recoveries highlight the scale of the problem:
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January 23, 2025: Police in Michoacán recovered a stolen truck loaded with eight tons of avocados.
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August 9, 2025: Authorities in Estado de México recovered a truck carrying more than $1.1 million in lithium batteries.
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August 13, 2025: Armed hijackers in Cuernavaca briefly kidnapped a truck driver and stole the cargo.
Foreign Investment Meets Security Complexity
Foreign manufacturing investment continues to expand in cities like Puebla and Toluca—areas that are also contending with strong presences of organized criminal groups including La Familia Michoacana and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Executives operating in these regions are being forced to adapt to security challenges that have escalated dramatically over the last decade.
In certain areas, companies even report attempts by local criminal groups to extort payments in exchange for “protection.” These pressures create an extremely difficult environment for businesses of all sizes—from local producers to multinational corporations.
In 2024, Coca-Cola FEMSA temporarily closed a distribution warehouse in Morelos after receiving extortion threats—a high-profile example of a problem many companies experience quietly every day.
A Legal Tightrope for U.S. Companies
While some companies may feel pressured to comply with extortion demands to maintain operations, doing so carries long-term legal risks.
Payments to criminal groups could expose companies to:
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Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations
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Penalties for providing funds to organizations the U.S. has designated as foreign terrorist organizations (including La Familia Michoacana and CJNG)
In short: short-term concessions may create significant long-term liabilities.
Risk Mitigation Starts with Smart Strategy and Strong Partnerships
There are immediate, practical steps companies can take to strengthen their security posture:
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GPS telematics for live-tracking trucks, trailers, and cargo
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Vetting local logistics partners through reputable firms
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Strengthening relationships with trusted, vetted transportation providers
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Implementing technology-driven route planning and monitoring
Two of the most effective protective measures include:
1. Trusted Local Partnerships
Working with reputable, vetted logistics providers in Mexico significantly reduces exposure to risk. Companies such as Confianza in Nuevo León help ensure carriers are legitimate, reliable, and compliant.
2. Borderless, Door-to-Door Insurance Protection
Reliance Partners offers comprehensive Borderless Coverage—insurance products designed specifically for cross-border shipments entering or moving within Mexico.
This coverage protects shippers from the moment cargo is picked up until final delivery, including loss due to:
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Violent hijackings
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Robberies
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Theft
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General perils
As security risks evolve, insurance can no longer be treated as optional—it is an essential component of risk management in Mexico.
Industry Leaders Must Push for Better Security Collaboration
As threats escalate, U.S. companies should also make their voices heard. Advocacy efforts—through elected representatives, trade associations, and binational business chambers—are critical to elevating logistics security within broader U.S.-Mexico policy discussions.
Recently, for example, a U.S. Air Force drone conducted a reconnaissance flight over several communities in Mexico at the request of Mexican authorities. This type of cooperation needs to expand if companies on both sides of the border hope to operate safely.
With President Claudia Sheinbaum entering her second year in office, now is a pivotal moment for U.S. executives to urge greater collaboration between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal networks that target the supply chain.
Moving Forward: What Companies Need to Do Now
Facing a new level of organized criminal activity, U.S. companies cannot rely on outdated safety practices. A comprehensive risk mitigation plan is essential—and it must include:
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Clear protocols for high-risk corridors
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Strong relationships with vetted carriers and local partners
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Technology-enabled cargo monitoring
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Formalized contingency and recovery strategies
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Appropriate cross-border insurance protection
At Reliance Partners and Borderless Coverage, we are committed to equipping companies with the tools, data, and protection they need to navigate today’s cross-border security environment safely.