Investigations into ‘Fiscal Huachicol‘ Extend to Military and National Guard Involvement in Ferrotanques Scheme
mexico City – Investigations into widespread fuel smuggling, dubbed “huachicol fiscal,” are now focusing on potential complicity from members of the military and the National Guard (GN) who allegedly accepted bribes to allow Ferrotanques, a rail transport company, to operate without paying taxes. The scheme reportedly facilitated the movement of fuel across the country, evading significant tax revenue.
The investigation, stemming from a report published by El Global on July 29, centers on marketers and distributors as key actors in the fuel smuggling network - those who ultimately deliver the illicit fuel to consumers. Sources within the Federal Security Cabinet indicate that research points to widespread corruption involving “custodians” and others involved in the process, accepting “millionaire amounts of money” in bribes.
The scandal began gaining traction in 2013 following the energy reform that opened the hydrocarbon sector to private investment. Between May 8, 2015, and June 20, 2024, the now-defunct Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) received 983 requests for hydrocarbon marketing permits, though only 40% were ultimately approved.
Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has publicly dismissed claims that family members of President Andrés manuel López Obrador (AMLO) are implicated in the investigations. A third member of the military allegedly involved in the scheme has reportedly expressed fears for their safety, according to El Universal.