Background on Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and Her Role
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the President of Mexico City, acknowledged that an investigation is underway regarding the possible involvement of public officials in a recently dismantled fuel-theft network. This network, known as “huachicol,” was responsible for extracting, storing, and distributing stolen fuel through a clandestine operation that even included legitimate gas stations.
Details of the Investigation
During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum was questioned about the investigation into public officials’ potential involvement. She confirmed that this line of inquiry is being pursued by the Fiscal General de la Republica and is part of the ongoing investigation.
“It’s part of the investigation,” she stated, emphasizing that combating such networks is a daily effort and that the government will not relent in its pursuit.
Sheinbaum further explained that the federal government aims to completely eradicate fuel theft, or “huachicol,” and assured that recent outcomes from operations against these criminal networks are the result of consistent, coordinated efforts among various security institutions.
“This was a six-month investigation, meticulously planned with in-depth intelligence work involving the entire security cabinet,” she highlighted, referring to the operation that dismantled a criminal group operating in central Mexico.
Sheinbaum elaborated that the criminal group primarily sourced fuel from Pemex pipelines, but also obtained stolen fuel from maritime and land ports, opening new avenues for investigation.
Criminal Network and Its Impact
On June 29, Mexican authorities announced the dismantling of a criminal organization led by Cirio Sergio “N” and Luis Miguel “N,” also known as El Flaco de Oro. This group was responsible for stealing, storing, and distributing fuel through a clandestine network that even included legitimate gas stations.
The operation resulted in 32 arrests, 12 search warrants, and significant seizures. Among the confiscated items were 12 properties used as operational centers, two illegal taps, nearly 16 million pesos in cash, 48 vehicles (some luxury and armored), 21 trucks, 14 semi-trailers, eight tanker trucks, high-powered firearms, and controlled substances.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo? Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the President of Mexico City, a prominent figure in Mexican politics.
- What is the “huachicol” network? “Huachicol” refers to the illegal extraction, storage, and distribution of fuel, primarily from Pemex pipelines.
- Why is this investigation important? The investigation aims to determine if public officials were involved in the fuel-theft network, ensuring accountability and transparency.
- What was the scale of the dismantled network? The network, led by Cirio Sergio “N” and Luis Miguel “N,” was responsible for stealing and distributing fuel through a clandestine operation that included legitimate gas stations.
- What was seized during the operation? Authorities confiscated 12 properties, nearly 16 million pesos in cash, 48 vehicles, 21 trucks, eight tanker trucks, firearms, and controlled substances.
