Background on López Obrador’s Decision
In July 2020, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) announced that he would transfer control of customs and ports to the Mexican Army and Navy. He justified this decision by citing issues such as mismanagement, corruption, smuggling, and drug trafficking at ports. He emphasized that this move was essential for ensuring honesty and security.
Implementation of the Decision
A year later, AMLO reaffirmed his commitment to transferring all border and maritime customs to the Army and Navy. By September 2024, he defended this decision as one of his best presidential choices, highlighting progress in combating smuggling and drug trafficking.
Recent Developments and Allegations
On a recent occasion, while announcing the arrests of members involved in tax evasion (huachicol) through the Navy, Fiscal General Alejandro Gertz Manero mentioned that then-Navy Secretary Rafael Ojeda had filed a complaint approximately two years prior, in September 2023. This situation raises questions: either AMLO was aware of the corruption ring and chose to stay silent, or Ojeda decided not to inform him and instead turned the case over to the FGR. In either scenario, it implies a lack of trust between Ojeda and AMLO.
Arrests and Implicated Parties
The FGR confirmed the arrest of 14 individuals, including Vice Admiral Manuel Roberto Farías Laguna (ex-secretary and nephew of Ojeda), two navy captains, a frigate captain, four Marina officials, and three female officials. Among civilians is former federal judge Anuar González Hemadi, known for exonerating “Los Porkys” in 2017, who were accused of sexually assaulting a minor – a decision that led to national condemnation and loss of his position.
The investigation also targets Contralmirant Fernando Farías Laguna, the vice admiral’s brother and current fugitive. Additionally, businesspeople like Ernesto Ruffo Appel, former Baja California governor and majority shareholder in Ingemar, S.A. de C.V., a company linked to the largest illegal diesel seizure in Coahuila, face scrutiny. Although Ruffo Appel denies any connection, the FGR has issued an arrest warrant against him.
Contradiction and Implications
The institution that AMLO presented as a symbol of honesty has been compromised by the same corruption it was meant to eradicate. The stark contrast between the promised “clean-up” in 2020 and the revelation in 2025 that the military is also vulnerable to smuggling is evident. The discrepancy between AMLO’s rhetoric and the reality of vice admirals, captains, and officials becoming accomplices in tax evasion undermines his claims.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the decision made by AMLO regarding customs and ports? AMLO decided to transfer control of customs and ports to the Mexican Army and Navy in July 2020, citing mismanagement, corruption, smuggling, and drug trafficking as reasons for this move.
- What recent developments have raised questions about this decision? In September 2023, then-Navy Secretary Rafael Ojeda reportedly filed a complaint about corruption within the Navy, leading to recent arrests. This has sparked debate about whether AMLO was aware of the situation and chose to ignore it or if Ojeda decided not to inform him.
- Who has been arrested and what are they accused of? Fourteen individuals, including high-ranking navy officials and civilians like former judge Anuar González Hemadi and businessman Ernesto Ruffo Appel, have been arrested. They are accused of involvement in tax evasion (huachicol) schemes.
- What does this situation imply about the effectiveness of militarizing customs and ports? Despite AMLO’s claims that this move would ensure honesty and security, the recent arrests demonstrate that corruption has infiltrated even the military institutions responsible for safeguarding customs and ports.
