Authorities arrested three suspected members of the “Yender La Vega” gang for extorting merchants at the Mercado de Coche. According to local media reports, the suspects targeted business owners by demanding protection payments, known as “vacunas,” specifically in U.S. dollars.
- Target: Merchants at the Mercado de Coche.
- Suspects: Three members of the “Yender La Vega” organization.
- Payment Method: Extortion payments demanded in U.S. dollars.
How the Extortion Scheme Operated
The captured individuals allegedly operated a network designed to systematically squeeze local vendors. According to reports from 2001 Online and other local outlets, the group demanded payments in U.S. dollars to allow merchants to operate without interference. These payments, referred to locally as “vacunas,” are a common form of protection racket where victims pay to avoid violence or theft.
The Dismantling of the Yender La Vega Gang
The arrests target a specific criminal cell known as the “Yender La Vega” gang. Local media reports indicate that the capture of these three individuals represents the dismantling of a portion of this organization, which has been characterized as a dangerous entity operating within the Coche market area. While some reports emphasize the violent nature of the gang, others focus on the financial impact of the dollar-based extortion on the local merchant community.
