A cartel group in Michoacan, Mexico, has been accused by state prosecutors of constructing internet antennas and threatening locals with death if they do not use their Wi-Fi service, according to The Associated Press (AP).
Prosecutors estimate that the cartel group could potentially earn $150,000 per month by charging approximately 5,000 people 400 to 500 pesos ($25 to $30) for the Wi-Fi service.
According to The AP, prosecutors stated that the people were coerced into contracting the internet services at exorbitant costs under the threat of violence. However, no deaths have been reported as a result of non-compliance.
The allegations were supported by a Twitter post that included photos of the equipment, with the caption stating, "A cartel in Michoacn, Mxico, put up their own internet connection antennas and told locals they had to pay to use their Wi-Fi or they will be killed. The group could raise about $150,000 a month."
The Wi-Fi antennas, referred to as "narco-antennas" by local media, were reportedly constructed using stolen equipment. In late December, law enforcement seized the equipment, including antennas and routers from Telmex, a Mexican internet company. The AP also reported that one person was detained in connection with the case.
While prosecutors did not disclose the specific criminal group responsible for the antennas, local media identified the Los Viagras cartel. Prosecutors confirmed that this cartel group does have a presence in the towns where locals were charged for Wi-Fi services.
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