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Hacker group threatens action over bus passenger kidnappings
Posted: 11.28.2011 at 9:22 PM
Sergio Chapa

Sergio is KGBT's Interactive Manager and a reporter for VALLEYCENTRAL.COM.

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The hacker group Anonymous is planning to attack websites related to bus passenger travel in Mexico on December 10th.
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The hacker group ‘Anonymous’ is planning to take justice into its own hands again.

The group declared war on the drug cartels over the reported murder of social media users in Nuevo Laredo earlier this year.

But Anonymous is now turning its attention to bus companies and Mexico’s federal government.

In an exclusive interview with Action 4 News on Twitter, the group claims little is being done to halt the kidnapping of bus passengers on Mexico’s highways.

There are no official numbers or reports but the group claims thousands have been kidnapped, killed or forced to work against their will in an all-too common scenario.

Cartel Checkpoints

The spokesperson for Anonymous who spoke with Action 4 News said it’s common for armed men to board passenger buses at drug cartel checkpoints.

“They get on the bus, take the men for ransom or to integrate them into their criminal organization,” the spokesperson said. “The women are raped and then kidnapped to work in brothels. The evidence is here."

The Anonymous member said Central American immigrants and even Mexican nationals headed to the United States have been taken.

As in the case of mass graves found just 90 miles south of the Rio Grande Valley in San Fernando back in April, the kidnappings go unreported until it's too late.

“The bus companies do not report it to the authorities because than they have to report it to the insurance companies,” the Anonymous spokesperson said. “Can you imagine if every bus company reported every claim in a nation in war to the insurance companies? The premiums would be sky high!"

Planned Attack

Anonymous is threatening to take down a series of bus company or government websites on December 10th.

A final list of the targets has not been decided but the group said it will release its demands later this week but mostly wants attention to the issue and greater security on the highways.

"Yes, the guilty ones here are the bus companies but when the families of the raped, the kidnapped cry out, they cry out for justice to the government and here is where the government does not jump fast enough,” the Anonymous spokesperson said.

The December 10th attack is taking place on the same date as International Human Rights Day but it’s also the launch of Mexico’s annual “Paisano” campaign to welcome thousands of migrants home for the holidays.

Officials React

Action 4 News contacted the cyber crimes unit of Mexico’s federal police force but had not received an answer as of Monday evening.

Officials with major bus companies operating in Mexico could not be reached for comment but the company Tranpaís said in a previous statement that its buses are safe.

The company reported that it uses GPS devices and communications devices for drivers to stay in touch along their routes.

The American Consulate of Matamoros maintains a April 2011 warning against traveling by bus in Tamaulipas due to reported hijackings that involved American citizens.


#Op Carreteras seguras (English) 
 
#OpCarreterasSeguras (Info de la Operacion) 

 

 

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