Introduction
The allegations surrounding tax evasion (huachicol fiscal) and Segalmex, coupled with purported links to the Sinaloa Cartel, have cast a shadow of corruption on the administration of former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. This article delves into the intricate web of corruption, highlighting the involvement of López Obrador’s family and close associates.
Key Figures and Their Roles
Andrés Manuel López Beltrán
López Obrador’s son, Andrés Manuel López Beltrán, is one of the central figures mentioned in the investigations. His involvement raises questions about his father’s potential knowledge and complicity.
Daniel Asaf
Asaf, López Obrador’s chief of staff during his presidency, is another key figure. His presence alongside the former president at all times further implicates López Obrador in these controversies.
Suspicious Protection and Allegations
The protection afforded to Ignacio Ovalle in the Segalmex case has been deemed highly suspicious, adding to the growing list of allegations.
Connections to the Sinaloa Cartel
Former politician Porfirio Muñoz Ledo’s assertions about López Obrador’s alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel have resonated, particularly in light of the president’s successor being potentially influenced by or pressured from drug trafficking organizations.
Mario Delgado and the “Rey del Huachicol” (King of Tax Evasion)
Mario Delgado, president of Morena, has been linked to Sergio Carmona, known as the “Rey del Huachicol” (King of Tax Evasion). Carmona’s assassination in 2018 further complicates the situation, with López Obrador having safeguarded Delgado in the Secretaría de Educación.
López Obrador’s History of Protecting Close Associates
Throughout his career, López Obrador has demonstrated a pattern of protecting close associates. For instance, when he served as the head of Government in Mexico City, his secretary, Alejandro Esquer, was implicated in embezzling funds intended for earthquake victims without facing consequences.
Media Revelations and Public Scrutiny
Since early 2023, social media has tagged López Obrador with the hashtag #Narcopresidente following reports from ProPublica, InSight Crime, and Deutsche Welle. These media outlets disclosed information from U.S. agencies investigating López Obrador’s campaigns in 2006 and 2012, suggesting connections to the Sinaloa Cartel. The investigations were allegedly halted by order of former President Obama.
Family and Close Associates’ Involvement
López Obrador’s family members and close associates have been implicated in illicit activities, including receiving money or government contracts. López Obrador himself acknowledged accepting funds from David León for his brothers, Pío and Martín, who appeared in videos released by Latinus.
Transparency and Accountability
Throughout López Obrador’s presidency, there has been ample information circulating about the contracts, connections, and conflicts of interest involving his three adult children. The extensive list includes deals for medicine, ballast, and other goods, raising questions about López Obrador’s awareness of these activities.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Can we believe that López Obrador was unaware of the corruption allegations against him and his associates?
A: No, given the extensive evidence of involvement from family members, close associates, and numerous incidents, it is highly unlikely that López Obrador remained oblivious to these activities.
- Q: What does Claudia Sheinbaum’s assertion that “Nunca podrán vincular a AMLO con la corrupción” (They will never be able to link AMLO to corruption) indicate?
A: This statement suggests impunity, as the mounting evidence contradicts her claim.
