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. 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

The Testimony

On May 4, 2026 — one day after leaving Mexico — Brújula News published my video testimony documenting the systematic harassment, physical assaults and death threats I received as a direct consequence of my investigative work on the CJNG disinformation networks.

What I Documented

• February 11: Home break-in — Roberto Gayol 147 Int.5, Mexico City
• March 14: CJNG death threats via Twitter
• April 9: Physical assault by three individuals — beaten, laptop stolen
• April 25: Formal criminal complaint filed (Case: CI-FIGAM/UAT-GAM-6/UI-1 S/D/00375/04-2026)

Brújula News was the first outlet to publish my complete testimony and contextualize the attacks as a direct consequence of my research on disinformation and organized crime.

→ Read at Brújula News (Spanish)