Operation Targeting Fuel Theft Across Multiple States
Elements from the Mexican Navy (Semar), the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), and the Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana (SSPC) conducted a joint operation resulting in the detention of 14 individuals linked to fuel theft, also known as “huachicol.” The operation led to the seizure of 10 million liters of diesel in Tamaulipas.
Key Detained Individuals
- Manuel Roberto “N”
- Climaco “N”
- Humberto Enrique “N”
- Sergio “N”
- Carlos de Jesús “N”
- Fernando Ernesto “N”
- Francisco Javier “N”
- Endira Xóchitl “N”
- Perla Elizabeth “N”
- Anatalia “N”
- Ismael “N”
- Anuar “N”
- Héctor Manuel “N”
- José “N”
Zero Tolerance Policy on Corruption
Pedro Raymundo Morales, Secretary of the Navy, emphasized that the institution maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption both within and outside its ranks. He stated, “In the Navy, the law applies to everyone. These measures are necessary to uphold our commitment to society, transparency, and the Mexican state.”
Alejandro Gertz Manero, the Fiscal General, explained that the operation was the result of a two-year joint investigation involving the Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera (UIF), SAT, and the Procuraduría Fiscal. This collaboration allowed for the detection of irregularities beyond isolated cases within the Navy.
Investigation Initiated by Former Navy Secretary
Alejandro Gertz Manero revealed that the investigation leading to the detention of 14 individuals, allegedly connected to a fuel smuggling ring, began at the request of then-Navy Secretary Rafael Ojeda Durán during Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration. Ojeda Durán even asked for an investigation into his own relatives suspected of involvement in the crime.
Who is Manuel “N”?
According to the National Registry of Detentions, Manuel “N,” a political nephew of the Navy Secretary under AMLO, was arrested on September 2, 2025, along with seven others, including businessmen and government officials. They were accused of participating in a fuel smuggling network.
Manuel “N” stands at 1.82 meters tall and was dressed in a white and blue striped shirt, blue pants, and brown shoes during his arrest. He was transferred to the maximum-security Altiplano prison in the State of Mexico.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was involved in the operation? The Mexican Navy (Semar), Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), and Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana (SSPC) conducted the operation.
- How many people were detained? Fourteen individuals were arrested, including three businessmen, five active Navy personnel, and five ex-customs officials.
- What led to the investigation? The investigation began at the request of former Navy Secretary Rafael Ojeda Durán, who asked for an investigation into his own relatives suspected of fuel smuggling.
- Who is Manuel “N”? Manuel “N” is a political nephew of the Navy Secretary under AMLO, arrested for his alleged involvement in a fuel smuggling network.
