Ernesto Ruffo Appel denies fuel smuggling allegations

Former Baja California Governor Ernesto Ruffo Appel has been released from prison and is currently serving house arrest in Ensenada after a judge modified his preventive detention due to his age and health. Ruffo Appel faces accusations of ‘huachicol fiscal’ (tax fuel smuggling) related to his role as a shareholder in the company Ingemar.

Ruffo Appel has denied all wrongdoing, asserting that Ingemar imported fuel legally with all necessary permits and tax payments documented. He criticized the lack of transparency from customs authorities and the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), claiming his involvement was strictly as an investor and not an operator. He also suggested that the full details of the case may not have been accurately presented to President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Following his release from the ‘Altiplano’ prison, Ruffo Appel received visits from various members of the National Action Party (PAN), including former governors and senators, who characterized the legal proceedings as political persecution. He also held video calls with former President Vicente Fox. Despite the political attention, Ruffo Appel has focused his public statements on the broader socio-political crisis in Mexico rather than seeking personal vindication.