Carlos Loret de Mola, a prominent Mexican journalist, has disclosed a significant development involving Raúl Rocha Cantú, the owner of Miss Universe. The Federal Government of Mexico has secured an arrest warrant for Rocha Cantú on charges related to huachicol—illegal fuel operations—and arms trafficking connected to drug cartels. In light of these serious allegations, he has reached an agreement with the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) to become a protected witness.
On October 21, Rocha Cantú approached the FGR, seeking protection in exchange for information about oil smuggling, financial networks, and connections to government officials and businesspeople. Subsequently, an arrest warrant was issued against him on November 15 for organized crime related to weapons trafficking and hydrocarbon smuggling.
Four days later, on November 19, the agreement was formalized, allowing Rocha Cantú to provide crucial information as a collaborating witness. The investigation, according to Loret de Mola, also led to the detention of Mari Carmen “N,” alias “La Fiscal,” who was reportedly a public official involved with the network.
The FGR’s investigation suggests that Rocha Cantú’s organization illegally obtained fuel from Guatemala and supplied arms to the Gulf Cartel and the Grupo Sombra of Veracruz. They allegedly operated logistics centers in Querétaro, managing operations that included the illicit acquisition and distribution of stolen fuel.
Additionally, the organization was found to utilize various front companies for invoicing, including Tabasco Capital, S.A. de C.V., and PTIH. The investigation outlines a complex modus operandi for arms trafficking involving private security firms allegedly used to procure and transport weapons, which included several companies with ties to former members of Mexico’s National Defense Secretariat (Sedena).
The ongoing situation has highlighted the serious issues of organized crime in Mexico, with Rocha Cantú’s willingness to cooperate potentially shedding light on deeper networks within the country. While the backdrop of these events is somber, it reflects a concerted effort by authorities to dismantle organized crime and recover governance in areas plagued by corruption and illicit activities.