Mexico Dismantles Fuel Smuggling Ring, Exposing Deep-Rooted Corruption
Mexico City – Mexican authorities have recently dismantled a major fuel smuggling operation, leading to arrests and the seizure of millions of liters of stolen fuel, but the case has exposed potential corruption within the ranks of law enforcement and government. The operation targeted a network allegedly dominated by the Jalisco Cartel (CJNG), which authorities say profits significantly from the illegal fuel trade.
Pemex, Mexico’s state-owned oil company, reported nearly 1 billion liters of fuel were stolen in 2024 alone – a dramatic increase from the 371 million liters reported in 2019. The surge in fuel theft is directly linked to increased violence and territorial disputes between cartels, notably in central Mexican states like Guanajuato.
Authorities have recovered at least 40 million liters of stolen fuel and made numerous arrests. However,the investigation has revealed potential complicity within the government,including allegations against members of the Mexican navy. Two Marines suspected of involvement with the smuggling ring died under questionable circumstances this month – one reportedly by suicide, the other in a training “accident.”
“Many more people” are expected to be arrested, according to the Mexican public prosecutor, with the possibility of government officials and members of the ruling Morena party being implicated. The timing is particularly sensitive as the Mexican government seeks to demonstrate progress in combating crime to the United states.
The United States is also taking action, imposing sanctions on individuals linked to the cartel and increasing scrutiny of American companies and financial institutions operating in Mexico’s oil sector. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen described the illegal fuel trade as a “dairy cow for the narcoterrorist activities of the Jalisco Cartel” and a significant threat to U.S. national security.