Background on Emilio Lozoya and the Agronitrogenados Case
Emilio Lozoya Austin, former director of Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), faces legal consequences for his alleged involvement in the sale of the Agronitrogenados plant to a state-owned petroleum company. The plant, which had not been operational for over 20 years, was owned by Altos Hornos de México (AHM), led at the time by Alonso Ancira. Ancira failed to fulfill his reparations agreement related to the same matter.
The Controversy
In 2013, Lozoya and Ancira agreed to purchase the fertilizer production plant. The Fiscal General de la República (FGR) accuses Lozoya of accepting $3.4 million in bribes to authorize Pemex’s purchase.
Legal Developments
The Third Collegiate Penal Tribunal of the City of Mexico unanimously decided to deny Lozoya’s amparo request, which aimed to dismiss charges against him for the Agronitrogenados sale. The Juzgado Octavo de Distrito en Materia Penal had initially dismissed the case regarding the illicit provenance resource operations, for which the FGR seeks to impose a 15-year prison sentence on Lozoya.
Impact and Reactions
The Agronitrogenados case dates back to 2013, when Lozoya and Ancira agreed on the purchase of a non-operational fertilizer production plant. The FGR claims Lozoya received bribes worth $3.4 million to authorize Pemex’s acquisition.
Ancira, who was released after signing a reparations agreement to pay over $200 million to the Mexican state, failed to honor the pact and has since filed legal resources to cancel it.
During a presidential press conference on August 12, Fiscal General Alejandro Gertz Manero stated, “The agreement signed by Pemex before the judge is no longer valid. We will restart the proceedings, make all necessary arrangements for this person to take responsibility, and pursue legal action against them internationally wherever they may be.”
Lozoya is dealing with the Agronitrogenados case, as well as alleged bribery from Brazilian company Odebrecht, while under house arrest. Last year, a judge changed his restrictive measure, allowing his release from Reclusorio Norte where he had been since November 2021.
In response, the Fiscal General de la República expressed disappointment with the court’s decision and accused the judges of providing “privileges” to the ex-functionary of Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Emilio Lozoya Austin? Emilio Lozoya Austin was the former director of Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), the state-owned petroleum company in Mexico.
- What is the Agronitrogenados case? The Agronitrogenados case involves allegations that Lozoya accepted bribes to authorize the sale of a non-operational fertilizer production plant to Pemex.
- What is an amparo? An amparo is a legal mechanism in Mexico that allows individuals to seek protection from violations of their constitutional rights.
- What is the current status of Emilio Lozoya? Lozoya currently faces the Agronitrogenados case and alleged bribery from Odebrecht while under house arrest.
- What is the Fiscal General de la República’s stance on the court’s decision? The Fiscal General de la República expressed disappointment with the court’s decision and accused judges of providing privileges to Lozoya.
