Appointment and Background
Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has appointed Omar Reyes Colmenares as the new head of the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) under the Secretariat of Hacienda and Credit Publico (SHCP). This decision comes after Pablo Gómez’s departure from the position.
Reyes Colmenares’ appointment still needs approval from the Permanent Commission of the Union Congress.
Relevant Experience and Endorsements
President Sheinbaum praised Reyes Colmenares during her morning press conference at the National Palace, stating, “He is a very intelligent man. He has previously worked in penitentiary centers and also with me in the city, first in an intelligence area, then as responsible for penitentiary centers. He is a specialist in intelligence and has an excellent profile.”
Professional Journey
- Omar Reyes Colmenares holds a law degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
- He has served as the Director of Mexico’s Interpol Office.
- He was also the Director of Investigation Police Headquarters in Mexico City’s Fiscal General.
- Reyes Colmenares has been the Director General of Security and Intelligence in the Federal Prison System.
- He served as Subsecretary of the Prison System in the Security and Citizen Protection Secretariat of Mexico City’s government.
Relationship with Current Security Officials
Reyes Colmenares has maintained a close working relationship with Omar García Harfuch, the current Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection. Prior to his recent appointment, he served as the head of Prevention and Reinsertion Social in the Federal Security and Citizen Protection Secretariat.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Omar Reyes Colmenares? He is a law graduate from UNAM with extensive experience in Mexico’s law enforcement and security sectors, including roles as Director of Interpol in Mexico, Head of Investigation Police, and Subsecretary of the Federal Prison System.
- What is his new position? Omar Reyes Colmenares has been appointed as the new head of the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) under the Secretariat of Hacienda and Credit Publico (SHCP).
- Why is this appointment significant? Reyes Colmenares’ background in intelligence and security makes him well-suited to lead the UIF, which plays a crucial role in combating financial crimes and money laundering in Mexico.
- What is the next step? His appointment must be approved by the Permanent Commission of the Union Congress.