Nine arrested in Mexico fuel smuggling case linked to ex-governor

Mexican authorities have arrested a ninth suspect in connection with a vast fuel smuggling operation that allegedly implicates former Baja California Governor Ernesto Ruffo Appel. Guadalupe 'N' was detained in Mexico City, facing charges of smuggling and organized crime.

The investigation stems from the discovery of 33 abandoned rail tank cars in Coahuila in July 2025. Samples confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons, revealing a sophisticated criminal network. This group allegedly used shell companies, logistics operators, and customs agents to import fuel via railways, declaring significantly lower volumes or misrepresenting the cargo to evade taxes.

Authorities stated the illegal fuel was mixed with legitimate products to obscure its origin and distribution. The operation is believed to have defrauded the Mexican treasury of over 4 billion pesos (about $230 million USD). Ruffo Appel and seven others were previously linked to the case in late July, facing charges of organized crime, smuggling, and violations of hydrocarbon legislation.

Ruffo Appel, who served as the first opposition governor in Baja California, has denied any wrongdoing and pledged cooperation with investigators. However, opposition leaders have decried the case as politically motivated persecution.