Ex-Naval Officer Held in Preventive Detention in Mexico for Fuel Smuggling

A federal judge in Mexico has ordered the preventive detention of former naval officer Fernando Farías Laguna, who faces charges of organized crime linked to fuel smuggling. Farías Laguna, accused of involvement in a complex criminal network dedicated to the illicit trade and distribution of fuel, was transferred from Argentina to Mexico on August 20. The judge made the decision after reviewing evidence presented by the Attorney General's Office. The case involves accusations of evading taxes on hydrocarbons. Farías Laguna's defense requested an extension for the constitutional term, with his legal situation to be determined on August 26. He was arrested in Buenos Aires on April 23 following an Interpol red notice requested by Mexican authorities. His extradition process from Argentina was complex, as authorities initially ruled out immediate expulsion. He is reportedly a nephew of José Rafael Ojeda Durán, who led Mexico's Navy under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.