Background on Rafael Ojeda and His Relevance
Rafael Ojeda, the former Secretary of the Mexican Navy (Secretaría de Marina), has recently come forward with allegations regarding fuel smuggling operations known as “huachicol fiscal.” Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, confirmed his role in presenting these denunciations to the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR).
Investigation Details and Recent Detentions
The recent detention of 14 individuals, including businessmen and both active-duty and retired Navy personnel, stems from an investigation initiated by the arrival of a vessel in Tampico port. The ship reportedly carried a substance not considered fuel, allowing it to enter under a temporary permit. However, upon inspection, it was discovered that the vessel contained diesel instead.
Sheinbaum explained during her usual “Mañanera del Pueblo” conference that Rafael Ojeda’s denunciations strengthened the investigation. The Fiscal General of the Republic confirmed that Ojeda, as Secretary of the Navy, had previously filed denunciations.
The President emphasized that the investigation took time to gather solid evidence for prosecution, despite the apparent nature of the crimes.
Sheinbaum Pardo clarified that any delays in the process were not related to suspected familial connections between some of the implicated individuals and Ojeda.
Modus Operandi and Sheinbaum’s Response
Regarding the modus operandi, Sheinbaum described how the perpetrators would import diesel without paying taxes, exploiting temporary permits. They would then resell it to gas stations or fleets, generating illicit profits.
“Importation of fuel is permitted if it has a valid permit from the Secretaría de Energía and pays its taxes,” she stressed.
“When an evident pattern of corruption and illicit activities is found, the approach should be ‘zero impunity’ and detain all those involved,” Sheinbaum Pardo stated.
Rafael Ojeda’s Role and Fiscal General’s Statement
During the press conference on Sunday, the Fiscal General of the Republic detailed that Rafael Ojeda had requested an investigation into his nephews suspected of involvement in the fuel smuggling crimes. Ojeda asked for an investigation into any Navy personnel potentially linked to these offenses, without specifying if they were relatives or providing any protection.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Rafael Ojeda? Rafael Ojeda is the former Secretary of the Mexican Navy, who recently came forward with allegations regarding fuel smuggling operations.
- What are the allegations? Ojeda accused certain individuals, including his nephews, of being involved in the illegal import and sale of diesel fuel without paying taxes.
- What is the significance of these allegations? The denunciations have led to an investigation and subsequent detentions of 14 individuals, including businessmen and both active-duty and retired Navy personnel.
- Why did the investigation take time? Sheinbaum explained that it was necessary to gather solid evidence for prosecution, despite the apparent nature of the crimes.
- Were there any delays related to familial connections? Sheinbaum Pardo clarified that any delays in the process were not due to suspected familial connections between some of the implicated individuals and Ojeda.
