Background on César Duarte and His Relevance
César Duarte is a former governor of the Mexican state of Chihuahua, who served from 2011 to 2016. He is a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and has been involved in several controversies since his tenure. Duarte’s legal troubles have extended beyond Mexico, as he faced charges in the United States for alleged money laundering and illicit enrichment.
The U.S. Charges Against César Duarte
In 2018, César Duarte was accused by the U.S. authorities of engaging in money laundering and illicit enrichment, along with allegations of diverting public funds to purchase over 50 properties in the United States. The defense team, led by Duarte, claimed that these accusations were part of a political persecution based on “lies and unsubstantiated claims.”
The Texas Court’s Decision
A Texas court recently dismissed the charges against Duarte, stating that there was no concrete evidence to support the allegations. The investigation, conducted by the FBI, the Department of Treasury, and the U.S. Department of Justice, failed to produce substantial proof after five years.
Implications of the Ruling
Duarte’s legal team emphasized that the court’s decision not only marks a judicial setback for Javier Corral, the current Morena senator and former Chihuahua state attorney general who initiated the case, but also deals a significant blow to the narrative of “Operation Justice for Chihuahua.” They indicated that they plan to pursue legal actions against Corral in the United States.
Ongoing Legal Issues for César Duarte in Mexico
Despite the dismissal of charges in the U.S., César Duarte still faces legal consequences in Mexico for the alleged illegal use of water on his Chihuahua ranch.
Water Misuse Allegations in Mexico
According to Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the current head of Mexico City, the allegations against Duarte stem from an administrative sanction imposed by the National Water Commission (Conagua). Conagua demolished five unauthorized water reservoirs built on Duarte’s property.
In May, Efraín Morales, the director of Conagua, informed Sheinbaum that Duarte had illegally taken control of the construction of approximately 700,000 cubic meters of water for personal gain.
Key Questions and Answers
- What were the charges against César Duarte in the U.S.? Duarte was accused of money laundering, illicit enrichment, and diverting public funds to purchase over 50 properties in the United States.
- Why were the U.S. charges dismissed? The Texas court found no concrete evidence to support the allegations after a five-year investigation by the FBI, Department of Treasury, and U.S. Department of Justice.
- What legal issues does César Duarte still face in Mexico? Duarte is accused of illegally using water on his Chihuahua ranch, with Conagua demolishing five unauthorized water reservoirs built without permission.
- What is the significance of the court’s decision for Javier Corral? The ruling marks a judicial setback for Corral and deals a blow to the “Operation Justice for Chihuahua” narrative, which Corral initiated.
