Sheinbaum questions U.S. claims on election funding linked to fuel theft, cites lack of proof

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has challenged accusations from the U.S. Department of the Treasury that link campaign financing to a fuel theft network associated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Sheinbaum stated that the U.S. government has not presented any evidence to substantiate these claims.

During her regular press conference, Sheinbaum noted that the individuals mentioned in the U.S. statement were already subjects of investigations by Mexico's Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) and other domestic authorities. She expressed frustration that Washington chose to publicize these allegations before sharing sufficient information with the Mexican government. "The people this statement talks about were already under investigation by the UIF, but they preempted a joint communication with this statement about campaigns, which we don't understand the reason for," she said.

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The people this statement talks about were already under investigation by the UIF, but they preempted a joint communication with this statement about campaigns, which we don't understand the reason for.

Sheinbaum drew parallels between this situation and recent actions by U.S. authorities against Mexican financial institutions, arguing that in both instances, accusations were made without providing adequate proof to Mexico. She recalled that when the Mexican government requests extraditions or joint investigations, U.S. authorities demand evidence. "When we ask them to see the evidence so we can join that process, they only sent two pages without proof. When we have requested extradition processes, they ask us for proof. It is common practice to ask for proof from both sides," she stated.

The President also defended her administration's strategy against fuel theft, known as "huachicol fiscal." She asserted that surveillance measures at customs, administrative controls, and investigations led by the Attorney General's Office have been strengthened. She indicated that various investigation files related to this crime remain open, and authorities continue to gather evidence to prosecute cases and seek arrest warrants. Sheinbaum claimed that her government's actions have significantly reduced fuel theft and smuggling, pointing to increased sales by Petróleos Mexicanos and private companies as evidence of a decrease in illegal market operations.

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When we ask them to see the evidence so we can join that process, they only sent two pages without proof. When we have requested extradition processes, they ask us for proof. It is common practice to ask for proof from both sides.