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Ernesto Ruffo linked to fuel smuggling investigation as FGR searches warehouses
The Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) has conducted searches of two warehouses in Mexico City's Miguel Hidalgo borough, uncovering documents linked to a suspected fuel smuggling network known as 'huachicol fiscal.' The investigation targets a group allegedly led by former Baja California Governor Ernesto Ruffo Appel, involving 24 other individuals, nine of whom have already been detained.
Authorities seized import petitions, assembly minutes, and contracts that suggest simulated commercial operations. The FGR indicates these findings may reveal the modus operandi of the criminal structure, which reportedly used rail tankers to evade taxes. The investigation traces back to the July 2025 discovery of 33 abandoned rail tankers in Coahuila.
In response, political leaders including former President Vicente Fox and members of the PAN have voiced support for Ruffo, characterizing him as a political prisoner and demanding he be granted house arrest due to his age and health. Ruffo's legal team has filed multiple amparos, including a recent fourth attempt to challenge the denial of house arrest. While the defense alleges psychological torture and inhumane treatment at the Altiplano prison, the OADPRS has rejected these claims, stating that his rights and health needs are being respected.
Entities
Altiplano federal prison · Attorney General's Office · Claudia Sheinbaum · Ernestina Godoy Ramos · Ernesto Ruffo Appel · Fiscalía General de la República · Ingemar S.A. de C.V. · National Action Party · Partido Acción Nacional · Vicente Fox · Vicente Fox Quesada
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The OADPRS rejected claims of undignified treatment of Ruffo in the Altiplano prison. www.diarioevolucion.com.mx
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ernesto Ruffo has filed a fourth amparo against the denial of house arrest. jornadabc.com.mx · lajornadasanluis.com.mx
- [● 2 SOURCES] Former President Vicente Fox defended Ruffo's character and accused him of receiving inhumane treatment in prison. www.diarioevolucion.com.mx
- [● 2 SOURCES] The PAN accuses Ernesto Ruffo of being a political prisoner. www.diarioevolucion.com.mx · 889noticias.mx
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ruffo is linked to a process for alleged involvement in fuel smuggling and organized crime. www.diarioevolucion.com.mx · jornadabc.com.mx
- [● 4 SOURCES] Ruffo's defense argues he requires house arrest due to his age and medical needs. jornadabc.com.mx · 889noticias.mx · diario.mx · eldiariodechihuahua.mx
- [● 8 SOURCES] The FGR searched two warehouses in the Miguel Hidalgo borough of Mexico City. laregiontula.com.mx · puntonorte.info · ajuaa.com · laprensa.mx · drvnoticias.com · +3 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] Seized documents include import petitions, assembly minutes, and contracts related to the investigated company's foreign trade operations. laregiontula.com.mx · puntonorte.info · ajuaa.com · laprensa.mx · drvnoticias.com · +3 more
- [DISPUTED] The investigation involves Ernesto Ruffo and 24 other people, with nine individuals already detained. laregiontula.com.mx · laprensa.mx · drvnoticias.com · www.lavozdemichoacan.com.mx · eltiempomx.com · +2 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The investigation began following the discovery of 33 abandoned rail tankers in Coahuila in July 2025. www.lavozdemichoacan.com.mx