Background on María Teresa Castro Corro and Her Role
María Teresa Castro Corro served as the Secretary of Planning and Finance in Puebla under the administration of ex-governor Miguel Barbosa Huerta from 2017 to 2021. Her role involved managing the state’s finances and overseeing investments, making her a key figure in the recent financial controversy.
The Failed Investment in Accendo Bank
In 2021, during Castro Corro’s tenure, the state invested 606 million pesos in Accendo Bank, a financial institution that subsequently collapsed within the same year. This investment has led to significant consequences for those involved.
The Sanction and Ineligibility
Following an investigation by the Specialized Chamber in Administrative Responsibilities of the State Judicial Power of Puebla, María Teresa Castro Corro was sanctioned with approximately 362.9 million pesos and ineligible for public office for 20 years. The sanction was imposed due to the damage caused by placing public funds in a failing bank.
Allegations and Investigations
Castro Corro is accused of authorizing the financial operation despite Accendo Bank not meeting investment criteria. She, along with a former undersecretary from the same department, faces allegations of resource misappropriation and violations of the state’s general accounting law.
Audits and Legal Proceedings
In March 2023, then-governor Sergio Salomón Céspedes Peregrina ordered an audit after detecting financial issues. This led to investigations against those responsible for the Accendo Bank investment decision.
After the secretarial transition to Josefina Morales Guerrero in June 2023, legal proceedings were initiated against the ex-officials.
Secretaría de la Función Pública’s Role
The Secretaría de la Función Pública (SFP) filed six denunciations, including two penal charges against Accendo Bank and the two ex-high-level officials.
Reclaiming the Investment
The recovery of the invested funds depends on the federal authority responsible, as there are 400 other defrauded parties ahead of those seeking their amounts from Accendo Banco.
Josefina Morales Guerrero, who remains in the now-renamed Secretariat of Planning, Finance, and Administration, stated that the same process will determine if further legal actions are necessary.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is María Teresa Castro Corro? She served as the Secretary of Planning and Finance in Puebla from 2017 to 2021 under ex-governor Miguel Barbosa Huerta.
- What was the failed investment? The state invested 606 million pesos in Accendo Bank, which subsequently collapsed in the same year.
- What sanctions did Castro Corro receive? She was sanctioned with approximately 362.9 million pesos and is ineligible for public office for 20 years.
- What are the allegations against Castro Corro? She is accused of authorizing the investment despite Accendo Bank not meeting investment criteria and faces allegations of resource misappropriation and accounting law violations.
- What is the status of reclaiming the invested funds? The recovery depends on federal authority, with 400 other defrauded parties ahead of those seeking their amounts from Accendo Banco.
