The Attorney General’s Office (FGR) confirmed the arrest of the former governor of Baja California, Ernesto Ruffo Appel, for his alleged participation in a fuel smuggling network. The announcement was made this Friday during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning conference.
The Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, explained that the investigation began after the seizure of 33 ferrotanks. The Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO) identified what it described as one of the largest fuel smuggling networks detected by the authorities.
“It is an investigation that begins after the seizure of the 33 rail tankers. The FEMDO analysis manages to identify this network, which is one of the largest fuel smuggling networks. It is an investigation that lasted more than a year,” said García Harfuch.
Eight arrest warrants
The official reported that eight arrest warrants were served this Thursday. He clarified that there are still more judicial orders to be executed, so the investigations continue.
The illicit scheme consisted of entering fuel into the country and reporting only 10% of the actual capacity transported in the tank railways. In this way, controls and tax obligations were evaded, according to the investigation.
“It is an ongoing investigation, it is not yet finished, but it is an investigation of more than a year by the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic,” stressed the head of the SSPC.
The actions of the FGR and the SSPC reflect the government’s commitment to combating fiscal huachicol and fuel smuggling, which have seriously affected the country’s economy and the integrity of the institutions. Authorities continue to work to dismantle this network and bring all those involved to justice.
