Once wealthy Mexican state plagued by killings, extortion

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Businessmen say they are being hit by a wave of extortion demands by criminal gangs in Mexico’s north-central state of Guanajuato.
Guanajuato was recently considered a success story in Mexico for attracting high-tech manufacturing investment. Five auto manufacturers have set up plants in the state.
But following a government crackdown on pipeline fuel thefts early this year, criminal gangs have targeted local businesses for shakedowns.
The head of the state’s