Background and Context
On Friday, the Paraguayan police confirmed the arrest of Hernán Bermúdez Requena, a former Secretary of Security in Tabasco, Mexico, at an exclusive residential estate in Asunción, Paraguay. This international operation led to the detention of Bermúdez Requena, who is accused of being the leader of La Barredora, a criminal gang affiliated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Hernán Bermúdez Requena’s arrest has been lauded by Paraguayan President Santiago Peña as a significant blow to transnational criminal organizations. He stated, “Paraguay will not be a safe haven for criminals.” Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum also expressed gratitude for the international cooperation and emphasized that such collaboration is crucial in combating corruption and organized crime.
Political History and Connections
Since 1992, five Tabasco governors—three from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), one from the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), and one from Morena—have protected and elevated Bermúdez Requena in his roles.
- During Manuel Gurría’s PRI governorship (1992-1994), Bermúdez Requena served as Director of Public Security, coinciding with Adán Augusto López Hernández’s tenure as Subsecretary of Government and Legal Affairs.
- Under Roberto Madrazo’s PRI governorship (1995-1997), Bermúdez Requena managed the state prison CRESET, while López Hernández advanced within Tabasco’s political apparatus.
- During Andrés Granier’s PRI governorship, Bermúdez Requena held police positions.
- With Arturo Núñez (PRD), Bermúdez Requena became Director of Investigative Police, gaining access to information and operations.
- In 2019, as Morena’s governor, Adán Augusto López Hernández appointed Bermúdez Requena as Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection in Tabasco, entrusting him with the state’s security apparatus despite suspicions from the military regarding his ties to La Barredora, according to Guacamaya Leaks.
The relationship between Bermúdez Requena and his political patrons was not only political but also economic, as evidenced by the notarial services provided by López Hernández’s notary, which documented businesses linked to Bermúdez Requena’s brother and nephew in gambling and construction ventures.
Responsibility and Implications
While Bermúdez Requena’s predecessors promoted him, the ultimate responsibility lies with Adán Augusto López Hernández, who appointed and maintained Bermúdez Requena in the crucial security position despite accusations against him until 2024.
The Bermúdez case exposes the corruption within Tabasco’s political landscape. His arrest should prompt investigations into the political networks that supported him for decades.
The arrest is a victory but also serves as a reminder of the longstanding relationship between politics and crime in Tabasco. The case raises questions about Adán Augusto López Hernández’s knowledge of Bermúdez Requena’s criminal activities and his responsibility for the actions of the man he elevated. Furthermore, it prompts reflection on how successive governors, from one administration to the next, enabled Bermúdez Requena’s rise to power.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was Hernán Bermúdez Requena’s role? He was the former Secretary of Security in Tabasco, Mexico, accused of leading La Barredora, a criminal gang affiliated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
- Who arrested him and why? Paraguayan police arrested Bermúdez Requena in Asunción, Paraguay, as part of an international operation targeting transnational criminal organizations.
- Who are his political patrons? Five Tabasco governors—three from the PRI, one from the PRD, and one from Morena—have protected and elevated Bermúdez Requena in his roles.
- What is the significance of this arrest? The arrest highlights the longstanding relationship between politics and crime in Tabasco and underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational organized crime.
