Ernesto Ruffo Appel accused in massive 2025 fuel smuggling scheme

Mexico's Attorney General's Office (FGR) has arrested former governor of Baja California, Ernesto Ruffo Appel, in Ensenada on charges of organized crime and large-scale fuel smuggling. The FGR alleges that the former governor was part of a criminal network involved in these activities.

Federal investigations indicate that Ruffo Appel allegedly operated through his energy company, Ingemar S.A. de C.V., where he is a founder and partner. The company is accused of introducing gasoline and diesel into the country without reporting the true import volumes, thereby evading billions of pesos in customs taxes. This practice is known by authorities as "fiscal huachicol," or fiscal bootlegging.

The case involving Ruffo Appel is connected to an unprecedented fuel seizure. In July 2025, prosecutors linked his company's logistics to the confiscation of over 15 million liters of fuel of illicit origin. This fuel was found hidden in more than one hundred rail tank cars in the state of Coahuila.

Despite the politician's defense, claiming his company only handled "customs documentary procedures," the Federal Public Ministry asserts it possesses evidence of his direct involvement in this multimillion-dollar illegal business. Ruffo Appel's legal situation is precarious, with crucial hours ahead to determine if mandatory pre-trial detention will be imposed.