José Chapur Zahoul faces money laundering allegations and project closure

Hotelier José Chapur Zahoul is facing significant legal and political scrutiny following the temporary closure of the ‘Dunas de Chuburná’ project by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa). The shutdown has caused a rift between Chapur’s business group and the Yucatán state government, leading Chapur to resign from his position as president of the Yucatán Investment Promotion Council. Chapur has denounced the move as a sign of ‘legal insecurity’ in the state.

Parallel investigations suggest Chapur may be linked to a money laundering network involving former Quintana Roo Governor Roberto Borge Angulo. Reports allege that over 20 real estate and hospitality companies were used to launder public funds siphoned from the Quintana Roo government. These funds were reportedly used to acquire high-value coastal land in Yucatán municipalities including Hunucmá, Progreso, Telchac, and Sinanché.

The Mexican Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) and the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) are monitoring the group for complex laundering operations. The investigation involves the alleged use of shell companies and corrupt notary publics to acquire land at depressed prices before inflating market values. The total value of suspicious investments is estimated to exceed $600 million USD.