They block bank accounts of former governor Ernesto Ruffo

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 hearing in which it will be decided whether the former governor of Baja California, Ernesto Ruffo Appel, and seven other defendants are linked to proceedings for alleged fuel tax fraud has been taking more than 14 hours. Until now, it continues behind closed doors.

The control judge Alejandra Ramírez de la Vega directs the proceedings by videoconference from the Federal Criminal Justice Center in Almoloya de Juárez, State of Mexico. It began before eight pm on Tuesday.

Judicial sources indicate that the debate could last more than 24 hours. The complexity of the case and the volume of evidence presented by the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) lengthened the session.

The defenses of the eight defendants try to discredit nearly one hundred pieces of evidence presented by the FGR. The accusation accuses Ruffo Appel and the others of being part of a network dedicated to fuel smuggling. The alleged damage to the treasury exceeds 4 billion pesos.

At the end of the analysis, the judge will determine if there are elements to link them to proceedings for organized crime and hydrocarbon smuggling. If convicted, the former president could face up to 26 years in prison.