Introduction to Vessel House and Its Chinese Connections
Vessel House, a modular building project in Puebla, Mexico, is an ambitious endeavor by CDPH (Chendong Housing), a Chinese construction firm with projects in over 110 countries. The company has partnered with BODA International Holding Group Ltd, whose vice president of operations is Simón Levy Dabbah, a former high-ranking official in Mexico’s tourism sector.
Niu Shuanhi’s Past Attempts to Enter the Mexican Market
Niu Shuanhi, CDPH’s president, has been trying to establish a presence in Mexico for at least a decade. In September 2017, following a significant earthquake in Mexico City, Niu offered a $1 million donation to then-Cuauhtémoc delegation head Ricardo Monreal Ávila for the reconstruction of devastated areas. At that time, Levy Dabbah was working with then-Mexico City Mayor Miguel Ángel Mancera and led the organization promoting the Corredor Cultural Chapultepec project.
The Failed China Grand Hotel Project and Resurgence of Vessel House
Niu’s initial attempt to build the China Grand Hotel, a 76-story skyscraper on Paseo de la Reforma, did not succeed. However, in 2022, after Levy Dabbah left his federal government position, BODA resumed its plans for Vessel House to “contribute to the magnificent China-Mexico friendship.” The modular buildings could align well with Mexico’s Infonavit social housing project, offering competitive yet adjusted prices due to the ongoing US-China trade war.
Controversy and Allegations of Extortion
Recently, Levy Dabbah has accused Vessel House of extortion in digital denunciations. These claims stem from the cancellation of the first Vessel Housing development near Ciudad Modelo, a nearby industrial park in San José Chiapa, Puebla. The state government had encouraged the opening of an AUDI plant in this area.
Involvement of a Relative and Subsequent Denunciation
A relative of the former First Lady reportedly participated in negotiations initiated during then-Governor Luis Miguel Barbosa Huerta’s tenure. However, the project’s cancellation led to Levy Dabbah’s digital extortion allegations against an individual, identified by informed Puebla residents as Rodrigo Gutiérrez Mueller.
Governor’s Response to Allegations
When questioned about Levy Dabbah’s revelations, Governor Alejandro Armenta stated that no one is above the law and denied any special treatment or intermediation for businesses seeking extraordinary support during his administration.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved in the Vessel House project? The Chinese construction firm CDPH (Chendong Housing) is behind Vessel House, partnering with BODA International Holding Group Ltd, whose vice president of operations is Simón Levy Dabbah.
- What happened to the initial China Grand Hotel project? Niu’s attempt to build the China Grand Hotel in Mexico City did not succeed.
- What are the recent controversies surrounding Vessel House? Levy Dabbah has accused Vessel House of extortion, following the cancellation of their first development project near Ciudad Modelo in Puebla.
- Who has been implicated in the allegations? Rodrigo Gutiérrez Mueller, identified by informed Puebla residents, has been implicated in Levy Dabbah’s digital denunciations.
- How has the Puebla state government responded to these allegations? Governor Alejandro Armenta denied any special treatment or intermediation for businesses and affirmed that no one is above the law.
