Background on Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and Her Role
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the Chief Executive of Mexico City, has called on the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) to thoroughly investigate a fuel smuggling scheme known as “huachicol fiscal” in Mexico. This case involves elements from the Mexican Navy (Semar) and customs officials, highlighting the need for a comprehensive inquiry.
The Huachicol Fiscal Case
In her regular press conference from the National Palace, Sheinbaum Pardo emphasized that the FGR must investigate and uncover all parties involved in this illicit fuel trade, including companies that purchased the contraband. She stated:
- Identify additional individuals and companies involved
- Determine the extent of corporate involvement
- Examine why illegal fuel shipments have decreased
Sheinbaum Pardo stressed the importance of ensuring there is no impunity and mentioned that investigations have already led to numerous arrests of those involved in fuel smuggling during the previous administration. She noted that most cases targeted illegal fuel perforation of pipelines, which has since decreased significantly.
Recent Discoveries and Investigations
The current investigations, which began six months ago, led to the discovery of a fuel smuggling operation in March of this year. This uncovered a corrupt network involving customs officials and navy personnel after 10 million liters of illegal diesel were seized in the port of Altamira, Tamaulipas.
Key Questions and Answers
- What companies were purchasing the illicit fuel? The investigation aims to uncover this information.
- The ongoing investigations are crucial for ensuring there is no impunity.
- Numerous arrests have been made as a result of these investigations, targeting fuel smuggling activities from the previous administration.
- The majority of these arrests focused on illegal fuel perforation of pipelines, which has since decreased.
- The FGR is responsible for conducting these investigations, and their findings have prompted the initiation of these inquiries.
- When government members, including military personnel, are found to be part of illegal activities, it strengthens institutions by ensuring thorough investigations.
