Mexico City, Mexico — The Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection says 14 people have been arrested after an ongoing investigation into fuel theft. The Mexican government strengthens the fight against corruption and impunity with the arrest of 14 people involved in the illicit fuel market. Among those arrested are businessmen, active and retired sailors, as well as former Customs officials.
In compliance with the principles that characterize the current administration to combat corruption and impunity, officers from the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) arrested 14 people involved in the illicit fuel market.
The information was reported Sunday a press conference by the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, the Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales and the Attorney General of the Republic, Alejandro Gertz Manero.
Secretary García Harfuch explained that following the seizure of 10 million liters of diesel in March of this year at the port of Tampico, one of the largest in recent history, a series of investigations and intelligence efforts were carried out over several months.
During that time, authorities revealed the existence of a criminal organization. These investigations also made it possible to identify the logistics of its operations based on the use of false documentation to facilitate the transport of fuel, in which transportation companies, customs agencies and some public officials participated in the multi-billion-peso fuel smuggling network that has affected the economy.
Based on these efforts, investigative files were compiled and the corresponding court orders were issued with the Attorney General’s Office (FGR). As a result, operational deployments were carried out in the states of Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Veracruz and Mexico City, where arrest warrants were executed against three businessmen, five active marines, one retired marine, and five former Customs officials.
Secretary García Harfuch also highlighted that, in order to dismantle the corruption network that facilitated the illicit introduction of hydrocarbons into the country, they collaborated with the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) of the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) to identify cash deposits and withdrawals, the purchase of real estate and luxury vehicles, as well as the purchase of life insurance policies and insurance premiums for higher amounts, situations inconsistent with the profile of the individuals under investigation.
Twenty targets were also added to the Blocked Persons List: individuals and legal entities directly linked to the criminal network. He added that the investigation is ongoing, with the goal of arresting all those involved in this crime.
“These actions were carried out in accordance with the principles that characterize the current administration to combat corruption and impunity,” he said.
Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales affirmed that the institution’s most valuable asset is its personnel, which is why they maintain ongoing mechanisms to detect and punish malpractice in accordance with the law. “There is no room for impunity in the Navy,” he said.
He added that the vast majority of naval men and women who conduct themselves according to the values of honor, duty, loyalty and patriotism are honored, and that internal controls and disciplinary procedures are strengthened to safeguard the institutional prestige that has prevailed for more than 200 years.
He maintained that President Claudia Sheinbaum’s instructions are clear: zero tolerance for corruption and unrestricted defense of the honor of the Navy.
FGR head Alejandro Gertz Manero noted that the strength of the Republic lies in the fight against corruption. He recalled that, two years ago, the then-Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Rafael Ojeda, filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office regarding various irregularities detected in various areas.
Following this action, investigations were launched that led to the identification of conduct that went beyond the scope of institutional functions and was linked to criminal activities.
As a result of the investigations related to these allegations and the theft of hydrocarbons in different regions of the country, he stated that arrest warrants were obtained, as well as the seizure of bank accounts, properties and vehicles. He said the initiation of legal action against those who have betrayed the trust of the Mexican State.
