Ernesto Ruffo begins house arrest in Ensenada

Ernesto Ruffo Appel, the former governor of Baja California, has arrived at his home in Ensenada to begin serving house arrest. This follows a 40-hour transfer from the El Altiplano federal prison, authorized by a judge due to his age of 74 and health status. The change in custody does not end his legal proceedings.

Ruffo faces charges from the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) including organized crime, smuggling, and fuel-related offenses. He is accused of participating in a 'huachicol fiscal' scheme, where fuel imported from the United States was allegedly declared in lower volumes to evade taxes.

During his 70-day stay at El Altiplano, Ruffo reported interacting with other former governors, including Mario Marín, César Duarte, and Tomás Yarrington. Regarding the allegations, Ruffo maintains his innocence, stating that his involvement with the investigated company was strictly as a shareholder and not as an operational director or negotiator.