By checking and comparing vaccination records, birth and marriage certificates, and tax returns, authorities say they have found activity linked to over 40,300 people who were reported missing.
The findings suggest the people are alive, according to Marcela Figueroa, head of Mexico's National Public Security Agency. The method, combined with cooperation from search teams, has led to the tracking and recovery of more than 5,200 people, she said.
Several groups that search for missing persons have criticized the statement, calling it an attempt to downplay the seriousness of Mexico's many disappearances.
