Hearing resumes for ex-admiral accused of fiscal smuggling

A crucial hearing has resumed to determine if former Navy Rear Admiral Fernando Farías Laguna will be formally linked to proceedings concerning alleged fiscal smuggling via maritime routes. The proceedings were delayed after Farías Laguna's defense team requested an extension to gather evidence and prepare their response to the accusations brought forth by the Attorney General's Office (FGR).

The hearing, conducted via videoconference and presided over by control judge Alejandra Ramírez de la Vega, was initially closed to the media by the FGR, citing national security reasons. Farías Laguna is the political nephew of former Secretary of the Navy, José Rafael Ojeda Durán.

Epigmenio Mendieta, the lead attorney for the defense, anticipates a lengthy session. He stated that the defense aims to refute at least 100 pieces of evidence presented by the FGR, which allegedly connect Farías Laguna to a network involved in fuel contraband and distribution at maritime customs points. Mendieta asserted that the defense has prepared arguments to demonstrate that Farías Laguna is not the leader of any criminal organization.

"The Public Prosecutor's Office has presented all its evidence, approximately 100 items; we have prepared the necessary ones. We have prepared expert testimony and witnesses we deem useful," Mendieta told reporters. He added that the decision on whether his client should testify at this stage would be made after consulting with Farías Laguna in the courtroom. The defense maintains that there is currently no evidence directly implicating the former admiral in customs operations he never belonged to.