Introduction to the Issue
The “huachicol” fiscal, an illegal fuel theft and smuggling operation, has caused a significant financial impact on Mexico’s treasury. According to the Federal Tax Prosecutor’s Office, this illicit activity has resulted in approximately 600 billion pesos lost.
Current Status and Progress
Grisel Galeano, the head of the Federal Tax Prosecutor’s Office, reported that 16 billion pesos worth of cases have been filed so far. She emphasized the need to continue integrating investigations and case files to accurately determine potential recoveries for each reported case.
Challenges and Delays
Galeano acknowledged that isolating cases, building a solid case, and filing a denunciation can take up to a year or more due to the complexity of criminal organizations involved.
Functionaries and Ex-functionaries Involved
Although Galeano confirmed the existence of functionaries and ex-functionaries linked to the “huachicol” fiscal, she refrained from disclosing names or figures to respect their right to a fair defense.
Recoveries from Contraband Cases
On a positive note, Galeano reported that since 2022, the office has recovered 5,928 billion pesos from 152 convictions related to various types of contraband, not just “huachicol” fiscal.
Renewal of the Federal Judicial Power
With the recent renewal of the Federal Judicial Power (PJF), delays in fiscal trials are expected to decrease, allowing for quicker resolution of cases.
Interinstitutional Group Working on the Issue
Gabriel Lerma Cotera, the undersecretary of Revenue at the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP), highlighted that “huachicol” fiscal is a historical problem not originating in the current or previous administrations. However, they are taking action to address it.
Lerma Cotera mentioned that they are working with an interinstitutional group since this issue affects multiple areas, including security, economy, and the public finance sector.
Decreasing Fiscal Deficit
María del Carmen Bonilla, the undersecretary of Finance at SHCP, pointed out that the fiscal deficit is decreasing compared to the previous year. In 2022, it reached a historical level of 5.7% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but this year it is expected to close at 4.3% of the GDP.
Although this deficit is still higher than initially planned (3.9% of GDP), it represents progress.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the fiscal impact of “huachicol” on Mexico’s treasury? The illegal fuel theft and smuggling operation, known as “huachicol,” has caused approximately 600 billion pesos in losses to Mexico’s treasury.
- How many cases have been filed so far? The Federal Tax Prosecutor’s Office has filed cases worth 16 billion pesos.
- Why are there delays in resolving “huachicol” cases? Investigating and building solid cases against complex criminal organizations can take up to a year or more.
- Are there functionaries involved in the “huachicol” fiscal? Yes, but their identities are not disclosed to respect their right to a fair defense.
- How much has been recovered from contraband cases? Since 2022, the office has recovered 5,928 billion pesos from various contraband cases.
- What is the current fiscal deficit as a percentage of GDP? The fiscal deficit is expected to close at 4.3% of the GDP this year, down from 5.7% in 2022.
