FGE Investigates Attacks on Notaries in Ciudad Juárez After Notary 9 Shooting
Ciudad Juárez, Chih. (ADN/Staff).– The State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) in the Northern Zone is investigating a series of attacks and threats targeting public notaries in Ciudad Juárez. This comes after armed men fired shots at Notary Public number 9, located at the intersection of Carlos Villarreal and Mejía streets, in the Margaritas neighborhood, this Thursday.
Following the 911 emergency call, elements of the Municipal Public Security Secretariat were the first responders, confirming the aggression and securing the perimeter. Subsequently, FGE personnel processed the scene, where 11 spent shell casings were found.
Threats Linked to Property Dispossession Schemes
Carlos Salas, the prosecutor for the Northern Zone, reported that threats against notaries have increased in recent weeks and are part of investigations related to criminal networks dedicated to the dispossession of real estate through the use of forged documentation.
“Threats from organized crime gangs against public notaries have been on the rise,” Salas stated.
The official explained that members of criminal groups appeared before notaries in Ciudad Juárez and Torreón, Coahuila, using fake identifications and fraudulent documents to impersonate legitimate property owners. With this documentation, he noted, they obtained notarial powers that were subsequently used to transfer properties to third parties.
According to the FGE, victims discovered the dispossession only when they found their properties occupied or were prevented from accessing them. Salas added that some of the perpetrators acted with violence, accompanied by armed individuals, and that cases of extortion and threats against owners have also been documented.
“Threats from organized crime gangs against public notaries have been on the rise,” Salas reiterated.
Ongoing Investigation and Security Measures
The prosecutor indicated that investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for these acts and to dismantle the structures dedicated to real estate fraud. He added that surveillance measures will be reinforced in notaries and in property registration offices to prevent new irregular property transfers.
Background of the Attack on Notary Public 9
The attack on Notary Public number 9 occurred on Thursday, July 3rd, 2026. The office is situated at the busy intersection of Carlos Villarreal and Mejía streets, in the Margaritas neighborhood, a central area of Ciudad Juárez. The immediate response by municipal police and subsequent investigation by the FGE underscore the seriousness of the incident and the broader pattern of criminal activity targeting legal institutions.
The discovery of 11 spent shell casings at the scene suggests a deliberate and forceful act, consistent with the prosecutor’s claims of organized crime involvement. The FGE’s focus on fraudulent documentation and property dispossession provides a critical context for understanding these attacks, highlighting a sophisticated criminal operation rather than isolated incidents.
Impact on Notarial Services and Public Trust
The escalating threats and attacks on notaries have significant implications for the legal and property sectors in Ciudad Juárez. Notaries play a crucial role in verifying identities and legitimizing transactions, and their compromise by criminal elements erodes public trust in these essential services. The FGE’s commitment to reinforcing surveillance and investigating these networks is vital for restoring confidence and ensuring the integrity of property ownership.
The involvement of notaries in both Ciudad Juárez and Torreón, Coahuila, suggests a regional scope to these criminal activities, indicating that the problem may extend beyond a single city. This broader geographical reach necessitates a coordinated effort from law enforcement agencies across different jurisdictions to effectively combat these organized crime groups.
Community Concerns and Future Outlook
The community of Ciudad Juárez is undoubtedly concerned by these developments. The safety of public officials and the security of property rights are fundamental aspects of a functioning society. The FGE’s proactive stance in investigating these crimes and implementing preventative measures is a positive step towards addressing these concerns.
The ongoing investigations aim not only to apprehend the perpetrators but also to dismantle the underlying criminal structures that facilitate property fraud. This comprehensive approach is essential for long-term solutions and for protecting citizens from becoming victims of such schemes. The FGE’s continued efforts, combined with increased vigilance from notaries and property registration offices, will be critical in mitigating the threat posed by these criminal organizations.
The situation underscores the complex challenges faced by law enforcement in regions where organized crime operates, and the need for robust legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard public institutions and individual rights.
Source: https://www.adiario.mx/estado/juarez/investiga-fiscalia-ataques-a-notarias-tras-agresion-a-la-notaria-9-en-ciudad-juarez/
