Background on the Navy Officer Involved
Abraham Jeremías Pérez Ramírez, a navy captain and head of the Port Protection Unit in Altamira, Tamaulipas, was found dead on Monday within the industrial port of Tamaulipas. He had been under investigation for alleged involvement in a large-scale fuel theft scheme known as “huachicol fiscal.”
Navy Officer’s Career and Recent Allegations
Pérez Ramírez served as an inspection officer in Gulf of Mexico ports from 2015 to 2019. He then became the coordinator of naval logistics in security operations from 2019 to 2022. Since 2023, he held the position of head of the Port Protection Unit (UNAPROP) in Altamira, Tamaulipas. He was reportedly implicated in a megadecomiso (large-scale seizure) of 10 million liters of diesel in Tampico, Tamaulipas, and allegedly received bribes related to this case.
Recent Developments in the Fuel Theft Investigation
The Fiscal General de la República (FGR) took charge of the scene and investigation, as the deceased was a navy official and the incident occurred under federal jurisdiction.
The Secretaría de Marina (Semar) confirmed Pérez Ramírez’s death through a message on the social network X, expressing condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Semar also stated that all necessary support would be provided and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate in clarifying the events.
Arrests and List of Blocked Persons
The day before Pérez Ramírez’s death, the federal security cabinet announced the detention of 14 individuals suspected of being part of the fuel smuggling network, including five active and one retired navy members. Among those arrested was Vice Admiral Manuel Roberto Farías Laguna, who is the political nephew of former Secretary of the Navy Rafael Ojeda.
During a press conference, Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection Omar García Harfuch reported that 20 individuals and entities linked to the network were added to the List of Blocked Persons. The operations took place in Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and the Federal District (Mexico City).
Initiation of Investigation
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo emphasized that former Secretary of the Navy Rafael Ojeda was the one who filed complaints with the FGR regarding the fuel smuggling operations known as “huachicol fiscal.”
She explained that the recent arrests of 14 people, including businesspeople and navy members (active and retired), resulted from an investigation initiated by the arrival of a vessel at the Tampico port. The ship reportedly transported a substance not considered fuel, allowing it to enter under a temporary permit. However, upon inspection, it was discovered that the vessel actually contained diesel.
“When you encounter a clear case of corruption and illicit activities, the appropriate response is to ensure there is zero impunity and detain all those involved,” Sheinbaum Pardo stated.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Abraham Jeremías Pérez Ramírez? He was a navy captain and head of the Port Protection Unit in Altamira, Tamaulipas.
- What was he investigated for? He was under investigation for alleged involvement in a large-scale fuel theft scheme known as “huachicol fiscal.”
- What is “huachicol fiscal”? It refers to the illegal diversion and theft of fuel, primarily diesel, for resale in Mexico.
- Who initiated the investigation? Former Secretary of the Navy Rafael Ojeda reportedly filed complaints with the Fiscal General de la República (FGR) regarding these fuel smuggling operations.
- Who was arrested and why? Fourteen individuals, including navy members (active and retired) and businesspeople, were arrested for their alleged involvement in the fuel smuggling network.
- What is the List of Blocked Persons? It is a list maintained by the Mexican government to restrict financial transactions and assets of individuals or entities suspected of engaging in criminal activities.
