Ernesto Ruffo Appel faces legal hearings over alleged fuel‑smuggling network

Former Baja California governor Ernesto Ruffo Appel was detained on 16 July on accusations of organized crime and large‑scale fuel‑smuggling (huachicol fiscal). The Federal Prosecutor’s Office (FGR) alleges he was the principal shareholder of Ingemar S.A. de C.V., using rail‑transported petroleum from the United States to evade customs duties, causing an estimated loss of over 4 billion pesos and involving more than 15 million liters of illegal fuel.

Ruffo Appel has filed multiple amparo petitions seeking protection against the arrest order, alleging illegal incomunication, denial of medical care and procedural irregularities. A federal judge, Alejandra Ramírez de la Vega, has granted provisional suspensions and is conducting a closed‑door hearing at the Federal Penal Center in Almoloya (the Altiplano) to decide whether to link Ruffo Appel and seven co‑accused to the case. The FGR also reports bank transfers of 18 million pesos to Ruffo Appel’s Ingemar accounts as part of the scheme.

Political reactions have been sharp: the ruling Morena party has labelled Ruffo a “criminal” while PAN leaders demand due process. The case remains active as the court prepares to rule on the prosecution’s request for formal charges.