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"Toll Charges": Contractors in the Southern Macrozone Warn of "Extortion Methods"

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• A deputy from La Araucanía urged authorities to meet with those affected and channel the cases. Additionally, he called on victims to report these incidents to prosecutors.

"Toll charges" and "requests for donations" in cash "in exchange for peace" are the intimidation tactics that have replaced arson attacks and timber theft in recent months, amid the state of emergency in four southern provinces of the country, in effect since May 17, 2022.

A representative from a forestry contracting company, who conceals their identity for fear of reprisals, claims that organized groups—"the same ones who attacked us before the military arrived"—now "pose as peaceful and dialoguing, demanding millions to let us work."

The source warns that this is framed as a donation or financial support, as the criminals claim to have no income sources, but emphasizes that it is nothing more than extortion under latent threats.

When asked, René Muñoz, manager of the industry association—which has been the target of 486 arson attacks in the last 10 years, 16 of them in 2024—confirmed the situation. "What we know as an association is that it has indeed become common for our companies to pay a 'toll' to carry out their work. Ultimately, this constitutes extortion that is spreading as a common practice," he reveals.

The executive urges that "these acts be investigated and punished to eliminate this practice, because later it will be harder."

"Currency of Exchange"

Muñoz states that those demanding these payments "justify it as a currency of exchange to give us peace and security to work, which is not right, because it is the State's role to fulfill that function."

Regarding the areas affected by these cases, he details, "We have evidence that this is happening in the provinces of Arauco and Malleco," and acknowledges that there is "fear of reporting" among members, "because it could mean more companies having to stop working." About the amounts demanded by the groups, he explains that "they are in the millions and based on the monthly production of the properties."

Meanwhile, RN deputy Miguel Mellado confirms he has also received reports of extortion against productive sectors in the area. He says he requested the Presidential Delegation of La Araucanía to meet with the affected parties and will also inform the head of Defense for the state of emergency.

When asked if these intimidation tactics align with organized crime practices, the lawmaker states, "The methods of the violent groups have been changing due to the laws we've passed, such as those increasing penalties for timber theft, land seizures, and attacks on police officers, as in the case of the Naín-Retamal Law."

"They Must Report"

Mellado stresses that "they, the terrorists, are experts at adapting, and what they're doing now is extorting to obtain the resources they once got through land seizures and illegal timber sales." He adds, "Now it's easier, more convenient, and risk-free for them; they just threaten and wait for the money to come." He asserts that "this is a growing criminal practice, reminiscent of what happens in Santiago's Meiggs neighborhood."

According to the lawmaker, "it's concerning that contractors are intimidated and making these payments," and he urges them "to report these illegal practices, as many farmers in the southern macrozone have done." He notes that he has spoken with prosecutors, who insist that "the only way to dismantle these groups is through reports and testimonies, for which there are full guarantees for victim protection." He argues that "just as harvests have been protected in the last four agricultural seasons, it will also be necessary to start ensuring safety in forestry operations."

Source: subscription edition ofEl Mercurio