Seventh Suspect Arrested in Puebla for $3.6 Million DIF Oaxaca Payroll Robbery

Authorities have apprehended a seventh suspect in connection with the brazen robbery of $3.6 million pesos from the DIF Oaxaca payroll. The suspect, identified as J. S. M. A., was captured in the city of Puebla, bringing the total number of individuals detained for the April 26, 2026, heist to seven. The robbery occurred in the vicinity of Avenida Universidad in Oaxaca de Juárez.

According to the investigation by the State Attorney General's Office, the criminal cell arrived in Oaxaca a day prior to the assault and lodged in a hotel in the Historic Center. From there, they meticulously coordinated the logistics of the attack. Investigators have also established the escape route used by the perpetrators following the robbery, identifying vehicles, phone lines, safe houses, and financial transactions linked to the criminal network.

The recent arrest follows the detention of six other individuals. I.M.L., R.D.P., and M.A.S.V. were arrested on May 4, 2026, in Infonavit San Bartolo, Puebla. Subsequently, on May 5, A.I.T.M., identified as the probable operational leader of the group, and J.C.C. were also apprehended.

Further investigation has pointed to A.M.S.R. as the suspected main operator and orchestrator of the network, allegedly responsible for obtaining and providing strategic information crucial for carrying out such crimes. The seventh suspect, J.S.M.A., was arrested on July 17, 2026, on Segunda Cerrada de la 5 Norte street in the San Rafael Oriente neighborhood of Puebla city.