I am writing this from Tarragona, Spain. On May 3, 2026, I left Mexico for the seventh time in my life. This time was the most serious.
The series of articles on this site documents the international coverage my work on the CJNG disinformation networks received. AFP, OCCRP, El País, France 24, Infobae, Milenio. Over a dozen outlets cited my findings between February and May 2026.
What that coverage could not anticipate was what would come next.
What Happened
Following the publication of my analysis and the public validation of my findings by Security Secretary García Harfuch, the violence against me escalated week by week:
- February 11: Home break-in — Swedish ID and research documents stolen
- March 14: Direct death threats from CJNG via Twitter
- April 9: Physical assault — three individuals beat me, kicked my head and stole my laptop near Parque Lindavista, Mexico City
On April 25, I filed a formal criminal complaint (Case: CI-FIGAM/UAT-GAM-6/UI-1 S/D/00375/04-2026). ARTICLE 19 Mexico issued an official risk assessment letter on April 11. The investigators themselves told me the best option was to leave the country.
Where I Am
I am now in Tarragona, Spain. I am receiving medical care at Institut Pere Mata in Reus, where I was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (F43.10). I have weekly follow-up appointments.
I contacted over 15 international journalist protection organizations. Emergency funds have been devastated since the closure of USAID. I arrived with very limited resources.
Why I Continue
My E31 tool remains active. The 54 million signal intelligence records are still there. The CJNG did not succeed in stopping the work.
Documenting the digital infrastructure of organized crime in Mexico has a real cost. This series of articles is part of that record. If you can share it, support me, or get in touch: hejalbertoescorcia@gmail.com