Background on Illicit Fuel Theft in Mexico
Despite recent record-breaking seizures of hydrocarbons announced by the federal government, illicit fuel theft, known as “huachicol,” remains active and widespread across various regions of Mexico. This illegal activity continues to be a significant source of income for criminal organizations, according to experts consulted by El Economista.
Positive Signs from Claudia Sheinbaum’s Administration
Yair Mendoza, senior researcher at the security program of Mexico Evalúa, notes that under President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, there are positive signs as “she begins to take charge of major public security issues,” including the theft of hydrocarbons. However, Mendoza warns that recent seizures, while important, do not guarantee the eradication of this crime.
He explains, “There are intermediate or very local cells that operate exclusively in hydrocarbon theft,” implying that without a strong institutional presence in the areas where seizures occur, other gangs might take the place of those detained.
“The problem is that if there are no institutions that follow up after the operation, the crime isn’t eradicated. Another gang might take their place and continue the extraction,” Mendoza emphasized.
Current Focus on Combating Illicit Fuel Theft
The current approach to combating illicit fuel theft primarily targets the transit of tanker trucks rather than solely focusing on clandestine well taps, as this scheme generates higher amounts and is more difficult to trace. Cristina Pablo Dorantes, a scholar at UAEMex, explains that they are targeting “sophisticated huachicol” due to the significant corruption within the government itself, particularly in customs.
Although the federal government has insisted that illicit fuel theft was eradicated at the beginning of the previous administration, Pablo Dorantes clarified that it “always continued. López Obrador said the numbers were fewer, but of course, this type of behavior continued.”
Recent Seizures and Their Implications
On the previous day, the Security Cabinet reported the seizure of 129 tanker trucks containing over 15.48 million liters of hydrocarbons in Coahuila state.
This operation was deemed the largest hydrocarbon seizure recorded during the current administration, according to the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch.
So far this year, federal authorities have secured more than 44 million liters of illicit hydrocarbons as part of the national strategy to combat fuel theft, according to official figures disclosed in various statements.
Beyond the Coahuila incident, the seizure of 10 million liters of diesel illegally stored in facilities of a trucking company in Tamaulipas is another significant event in the current administration.
In Baja California, after executing a search warrant in March, federal authorities discovered 7.944 million liters hidden in modified structures and cisterna-type trailers.
Tabasco has also remained a key focus in the fight against illicit fuel theft. Between May and July, more than 6.7 million liters have been secured.
Clandestine Taps
According to official data, the cumulative total of clandestine taps detected between January and March of each year from 2010 to 2025 amounts to 34,856 illegal extraction points.
During the first quarter of 2025, Mexican authorities identified 2,650 instances of illicit hydrocarbon taps across the country. This figure represents a 39.55% decrease compared to the same period in 2019, when 4,384 cases were recorded—the highest number since 2010.
The 2,650 taps in the current year also represent a 20.5% decrease compared to the previous year, 2024, when 3,333 taps were reported.
This year, clandestine taps have been detected in 19 states, with Hidalgo (632), Jalisco (453), and Guanajuato (218) accounting for 50% of the reported cases.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is illicit fuel theft (huachicol)? Illicit fuel theft, or “huachicol,” refers to the illegal tapping of pipelines and theft of hydrocarbons in Mexico, which remains a significant source of income for criminal organizations.
- How is the Mexican government addressing this issue? The government has been conducting seizures of tanker trucks and hydrocarbons, as well as targeting clandestine taps. However, experts emphasize the need for stronger institutional presence and addressing corruption within customs.
- What are the recent seizures and their implications? Recent significant seizures include 129 tanker trucks with over 15.48 million liters in Coahuila, 10 million liters of diesel in Tamaulipas, and discoveries in Baja California and Tabasco. While these seizures are important, experts warn that without addressing the root causes and ensuring institutional follow-through, the crime will persist.
- How many clandestine taps have been detected in 2025? Authorities have detected 2,650 clandestine taps in the first quarter of 2025, marking a decrease compared to previous years.
