Harfuch Denies Navy, FGR Collusion in Fuel Theft Investigation

Following a media report suggesting collusion between federal authorities and a criminal group dedicated to fuel theft, Minister of Security Omar García Harfuch rejected the allegations and highlighted the role of those very institutions in dismantling the network.

In response to the Reforma article, Harfuch stated on social media: “There is not a single indication or piece of evidence of collusion by the two institutions mentioned. It was precisely these institutions that dismantled this criminal network.”

According to the official, after six months of intelligence work led by the Ministry of Security in coordination with the Navy and the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), authorities executed 12 search warrants and seven arrest warrants.

The operation led to the dismantling of one of central Mexico’s main illicit fuel organizations. Authorities detained 32 individuals and seized MX$16 million, 21 tractor-trailers, 8 tankers, containers, a stationary tank, and exotic animals. Investigations into the case are ongoing.

According to the Reforma article, Ciro Sergio Rebollo Mendoza, known as “Don Checo” and believed to be the head of a fuel theft ring operating in central Mexico, allegedly benefited from protection provided by personnel within the Navy, the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), and PEMEX’s Intelligence Coordination unit.