Product distribution companies in the North of Central America are paying monthly installments of $100 per truck to organized criminal groups.
Far from declining, the cost and problems caused by extortion for companies in Central America, continue to rise and is harming regional trade. In Honduras alone, Eleconomista.net reported, "... between 2012 and 2013 some 18,000 businesses closed because of pressures from gang members and consequently some 72,000 direct jobs were lost."
Construction companies who are victims of extortion have closed operations leaving about three thousand people unemployed.
According to Silvio Larios, general manager of the Honduran Chamber of the Construction Industry (Chico), employers have sought to manage this issue with discretion, but they can not even pay the fees for the Chamber of Construction, and have ceased operations leaving thousands of people unemployed.
The intimidation starts with a phone call demanding "collaboration" of $25, a figure that could increase to $250 if the trader under extortion resists.
For those who refuse to pay extortion, the only solution is to close their business, and change their phone number.
Laprensa.hn reports that "Before they are a year old, dozens of microenterprises are forced to close operations because they can not pay the amounts demanded by the extortionists.
Recognized Brazilian company of backhoe loaders, telescopic, articulated and other types of cranes looking for companies interested in representing the brand and distributing their machinery in Central America and Mexico. The company manufactures and sells telescopic,...