Sheinbaum: Ruffo Appel Case is Criminal, Not Political; Urges Defenders to Get Informed

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly stated that the legal case against former Baja California Governor Ernesto Ruffo Appel is purely criminal, dismissing claims of political persecution. Ruffo Appel has been formally charged in connection with alleged fuel smuggling and tax fraud.

During a press conference, Sheinbaum addressed a group of former presidents, including Vicente Fox and Felipe Calderón, who had accused the government of "political revenge." She advised them to "inform themselves" by following the information provided by the Attorney General's Office (FGR). "It has nothing to do with a political issue, it is a criminal issue," Sheinbaum asserted, emphasizing that Ruffo Appel is accused of serious offenses, including defrauding public finances and illegally trafficking fuel over several years.

Sheinbaum reiterated that the accusations are based on substantial evidence gathered by the FGR, which led to the issuance of an arrest warrant. She directly countered the notion that the case is politically motivated, stating, "Those who say it is a 'political matter' are mistaken because it is a matter that has to do with a crime for which he is being prosecuted." The President confirmed that investigations into Ruffo Appel's case are ongoing.

The former governor is reportedly linked to fiscal "huachicol," a term referring to the illegal siphoning and sale of fuel, and tax evasion. The FGR's investigation aims to establish the extent of his alleged involvement in these illicit activities.