Background on Military Corruption in Mexico
Since the arrest of General Jesús Gutiérrez Rebollo and two other military officials allegedly linked to the Juárez Cartel in February 1997, no high-ranking military corruption case had surfaced until now. However, during the Peña Nieto administration, cases involving Tomás Ángeles Dauahare and Eduardo León Trawitz served as ominous precedents.
Current Situation and Recent Developments
The recent pressure from the Trump administration for Mexico to accelerate its actions against fentanyl trafficking and criminal organizations’ financing methods has yielded a significant outcome. Although Admiral Rafael Ojeda Durán, former head of the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), is not directly involved in the ongoing investigation, he has become an unintended protagonist in this episode of corruption and impunity.
Admiral Rafael Ojeda Durán: Background and Current Status
Ojeda Durán retired 11 months ago and has maintained a low-profile public presence. Recently, he was spotted at the Country Club in Mexico City, where he became a resident member just three months ago. His admission required the recommendation of five existing members, two of whom had at least 25 years of membership.
He was proposed by Fernando Lemmen-Meyer Sandoval, president of the Mexican Golf Federation, and businessmen David Ignacio Espinosa Guzmán of Tradeco and Octavio Pérez Salazar, who served as a liaison between COPARMEX and the Armed Forces during the previous administration.
Pérez Salazar’s Business Ventures and Connections
Pérez Salazar, an engineer and graduate of the Heroic Military Naval School, retired from service and became the CEO of Amexgas. According to intelligence reports circulating among military officials, he also maintains close ties with Rafael Antonio, the youngest son of the former SEMAR head.
His thriving business model is complemented by Anthropos Politeia, a consulting firm led by political scientist Rubén Pederzini. Since the latter part of the previous biennium, Anthropos Politeia has offered specialized services in maritime and port management, focusing on managing titles, permits, and authorizations.
Current Projects and Political Implications
Focusing on the fiscal enclaves being established in the Trans-Isthmic Corridor, their latest venture is in Progresso, Yucatán. They promoted Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri’s project to construct two massive dry docks for repairing, remodeling, and maintaining cruise ships, large cargo vessels, and oil/gas tankers.
The project gained momentum with the arrival of morenista Joaquín Huacho Díaz Mena, who supports the port’s transformation. It previously received backing from then-panist governor Mauricio Vila Davila and now has Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard as a key promoter.
Nepotism and Military Negligence: A Growing Concern
While political disputes persist, the issues of nepotism and negligence within the military ranks are becoming increasingly uncomfortable. These concerns could turn dangerous if sensitive information about high-ranking military officials, both active and retired, starts to leak.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Admiral Rafael Ojeda Durán? A former head of the Mexican Navy (SEMAR) who retired 11 months ago and has recently become involved in a corruption scandal.
- What are the allegations against Ojeda Durán? He is not directly involved in the ongoing investigation but has become a protagonist due to his connections with those under scrutiny.
- What are Pérez Salazar’s business ventures? He is involved in Amexgas and Anthropos Politeia, a consulting firm offering specialized maritime and port management services.
- What is the significance of Pérez Salazar’s connections? He maintains close ties with Rafael Antonio, the son of the former SEMAR head, and has connections to influential figures in both business and politics.
- What are the current projects of Ojeda Durán and Pérez Salazar? They are involved in a project in Progresso, Yucatán, promoting the transformation of the port with support from various political figures.
- Why is nepotism and military negligence a growing concern? These issues could escalate into a dangerous situation if sensitive information about high-ranking military officials is exposed.
