Five state police officers have been arrested in Coyoacán, Mexico City, on suspicion of stealing half a million pesos from a local businessman.

The victim was traveling in his vehicle near the municipal administrative offices when five police officers on motorcycles and in patrol cars blocked his way.

They surrounded his vehicle and demanded 500,000 pesos (about US $26,400).

After turning over the money, the man followed the officers, who responded by offering to return half the money if he agreed not to continue following them.

The victim, who caught the whole exchange in photographs and on video with his cellphone, then proceeded to file a formal complaint before the state Public Security Secretariat.

The five police were taken into custody after their victim identified them and the money recovered and returned to its owner.

The five officers face charges of theft and abuse of authority.

Source: Excélsior (sp)