Electoral Institute clears AMLO's brother in illegal financing case due to lack of evidence

Mexico's National Electoral Institute (INE) has dismissed a sanctioning procedure against Martín López Obrador, the brother of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The electoral authority concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove the use of illicit funds in the 2018 elections.

The General Council of the INE declared the complaints filed by the National Action Party (PAN) and the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) unfounded. The resolution also exonerated David León Romero and the ruling Morena party from sanctions, stemming from a complaint after a video surfaced showing a cash handover.

The case gained public attention in 2020 with the release of recordings showing León Romero giving cash to López Obrador. A subsequent investigation by the media outlet Latinus reported that between 2013 and 2018, the former president's brother allegedly received over $150,000 in cash, purportedly to support activities related to López Obrador's movement. The alleged deliveries were reportedly made by various political operators and businessmen.

According to the INE, its investigations did not establish that the resources provided constituted illicit financing or a violation of electoral regulations. Consequently, the General Council resolved to declare the procedure unfounded and close the case.