Ruffo Appel hearing exceeds 14 hours without resolution

The Secretary of Security, Omar García Harfuch, reported that Mexican authorities have not located properties registered in the name of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel sentenced to life imprisonment in the United States for drug trafficking. He explained that, despite securing bank accounts and assets linked to criminal organizations, none appear directly in the name of the boss.

No assets in your name

García Harfuch highlighted that the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) maintains progress in securing criminal resources, although he omitted details about amounts or properties. His statements occur after the Mexican government’s intention to claim part of the 15 billion dollars that a US court ordered to confiscate from Zambada.

The former leader’s lawyer, Frank Pérez, assured that the amount is uncollectible and that his client does not have assets in his name.

“People at that level have nothing to their name,” declared the defender, who also pointed out that Zambada seeks to serve his sentence in Mexico.

García Harfuch indicated that it is up to the Attorney General’s Office to determine whether there is a formal request for extradition. The Prosecutor’s Office, for its part, reviews the legal mechanisms for Mexico to access part of these resources. President Claudia Sheinbaum asked to analyze the case, considering that Zambada’s criminal structure generated damage and violence for decades in Mexican territory.

Morena’s parliamentary group in Congress requested the National Electoral Institute (INE) and the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) to investigate possible financing of political campaigns with resources of illicit origin. The accusations point to the former governor of Baja California, Ernesto Ruffo Appel.

Investigation in progress

Through a point of agreement presented in the Permanent Commission, the Morenoist legislators asked to review whether there were irregular contributions to campaigns of the National Action Party (PAN). Also towards the Somos México organization and the Marea Rosa movement, linked to the former state president.

The legislators indicated that the investigation must consider the powers of the INE to request financial information from the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF). This is due to suspicions about the origin of the resources used by political parties and organizations.

The INE and the FGR are expected to determine if there are elements to open a formal investigation.

The Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) froze the bank accounts of the former governor of Baja California Ernesto Ruffo Appel. The measure occurs within the framework of a judicial process for alleged fuel smuggling. The information was disseminated by his daughter, Verónica Ruffo, who pointed out that the former president appeared on the list of blocked people of the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP).

Verónica Ruffo declared that the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) has limited her father’s right to defense. He explained that this Wednesday they were denied access to a warehouse of the Ingemar company in Mexico City. There they were looking for documents that, according to her, are relevant to the case. He assured that personnel from the Prosecutor’s Office prevented entry to the property, which makes it difficult to prepare the legal strategy.

The former president’s daughter also reported that she went to the United States Embassy in Mexico. He denounced what he describes as political persecution against his father. In addition, it seeks that human rights bodies take cognizance of the case and follow up on the alleged irregularities.

For his part, Ernesto Ruffo Appel continues to appear before a control judge. The judicial authority will define their legal situation in the process for alleged fuel smuggling. So far, federal authorities have not issued a public position on the accusations by the former governor’s family.