A supposed fuel smuggling network, known as fiscal huachicol, allegedly operated within Mexico's Secretariat of the Navy involving at least 34 sailors, according to an investigation by the Attorney General's Office.
A recent investigation by the Attorney General's Office (FGR) has unveiled a purported fuel smuggling network, referred to as fiscal huachicol, operating within Mexico's Secretariat of the Navy (Semar). This operation allegedly involves at least 34 sailors, raising significant concerns about corruption within military ranks. The scandal came to light following the release of an audio recording by Aristegui Noticias, in which Rear Admiral Fernando Guerrero Alcántar points to a criminal network connected to fuel theft, including claims that the relatives of the then-Secretary of the Navy, Rafael Ojeda Durán, are implicated in these illegal activities.
In the audio, Admiral Guerrero Alcántar is heard discussing the severe allegations with Secretary Ojeda, suggesting a need for a formal written complaint about the corrupt activities. Notably, despite the serious nature of the accusations, the Navy has declared that its internal investigations have found no irregularities. This proclamation stands in stark contrast to the ongoing criminal case being pursued by the FGR, which continues to investigate the allegations made by Guerrero Alcántar before his assassination in November 2024.
The broader implications of this investigation highlight concerns regarding institutional integrity and corruption within Mexico's military establishment. The fact that a senior official suggested that the secretary's relatives are involved adds an alarming dimension to an already volatile situation, underscoring the challenges facing the current administration in its efforts to combat corruption, especially in high-stakes sectors such as law enforcement and national security.
