Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) has uncovered major progress in an investigation into a massive tax-evasion fuel smuggling network (huachicol fiscal). Attorney General Ernestina Godoy Ramos revealed that the criminal structure implicates Manuel Roberto “N” and Fernando “N,” nephews of former Navy Minister Admiral Rafael Ojeda.
Smuggling Scheme and Modus Operandi
The criminal network operated by importing fuel shipments from Texas into Mexican maritime ports. According to Godoy, the organization fraudulently declared real fuel cargoes as lubricating oils or additives to bypass standard customs taxes and regulatory oversight.
- Corruption Mechanisms: Customs agents and public officials allegedly accepted bribes to facilitate fraudulent paperwork, turn off surveillance cameras during vessel offloading, and conduct superficial sampling procedures.
- Massive Seizures: Among the key enforcement actions linked to the ongoing probe, federal authorities seized over 10 million liters of diesel contained in a single vessel docked at Altamira, Tamaulipas.
The investigation traces its roots back to a 2024 complaint filed by Admiral Rafael Ojeda himself, who requested an inquiry into illegal activities among naval personnel.
Extent of Operations and Key Evidence
Investigators revealed that the network, driven in part by Manuel Roberto “N” and Fernando “N,” extended its reach across five key states: Tamaulipas, Baja California, Colima, Sonora, and Mexico City.
Manuel Roberto “N” allegedly leveraged influence to manage promotions and customs appointments within the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) and the Navy. During a court-authorized search of a Mexico City warehouse leased by him, federal agents recovered:
- Official rosters and confidential maritime customs files
- Classified naval personnel dossiers
- Unregistered firearms and luxury merchandise
Godoy stressed that the FGR’s investigation targets individual accountability rather than the entire Navy institution, highlighting active cooperation from current Navy Minister Raymundo Morales Ángeles. She assured that any official involved in leveraging state infrastructure for organized crime will face criminal prosecution.
Source: Por Esto
