Comprehensive investigation against fuel smuggling
President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that the investigation into illegal hydrocarbon trafficking from the United States – called “fiscal huachicol” – extends without hierarchical exclusions. During his morning conference at the National Palace, he emphasized that the judicial process prioritizes the meticulous collection of evidence before making arrests. “The investigation covers all institutional and sectoral levels. Only when the evidence is consolidated will the progress be made public,” he declared.
Mechanisms of crime and complicities
The tax evasion scheme involves sophisticated logistics: colluded boats, railway cars, clandestine pipelines and gas stations. According to official data, this black market operates through front companies that simulate legal activities, with the alleged participation of public officials and private actors. The president stressed that recent seizures—including fuel and financial documentation—have made it possible to trace transnational networks.
“Stopping a suspect requires a robust investigation portfolio,” Sheinbaum explained. “The authorities must guarantee that the evidence is irrefutable to present it before a judge. This rigor avoids subsequent impunity.” Analysts consulted agree that illicit fuel distorts local prices and deprives the treasury of billions in annual taxes.
Advances and challenges in criminal prosecution
The legal team of the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) is working to link those involved through financial tracing and protected testimonies. However, energy security experts warn about the adaptability of these organizations, which often fragment their operations in the face of government pressure.
The president recognized the complexity of the case: “This organized crime transcends borders. We require international cooperation, especially with US agencies, to dismantle monetary flows.” Data from the Ministry of Finance reveal that gasoline and diesel smuggling represents 12% of national consumption, with annual losses exceeding 30,000 million pesos.
What’s next? The next few weeks will be crucial to execute arrest warrants against the identified ringleaders. Meanwhile, the federal administration promises to strengthen surveillance in ports, customs and strategic pipelines.
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