Customs federation tightens purge after ex‑governor Ernesto Ruffo’s arrest

The Confederation of Associations of Customs Agents of the Mexican Republic (CAAAREM) announced a strict internal clean‑up following the arrest of former Baja California governor Ernesto Ruffo, a PAN politician suspected of involvement in a large‑scale fuel‑theft (huachicol fiscal) network. In a statement on 17 July, CAAAREM reiterated its "zero tolerance" policy toward corruption and illegal activity, stressing that the fiscal fuel‑theft threatens Mexico’s revenue and economic security.

The federation said investigations are now in the hands of authorities and pledged cooperation to strengthen customs operations. It noted that members must obey the law, its Code of Ethics and internal compliance mechanisms, warning that those who do not "no tienen cabida" within the organization have been expelled. An independent review identified nine customs agents who were removed for links to the fuel‑theft scheme. Since February 2026, CAAAREM has operated a self‑regulation model covering 38 member associations, aiming to improve ethics, integrity and compliance across Mexico’s customs system.