Justo Rivera Parrazales arrested in Mérida after faking death

Mexican federal authorities have arrested businessman Justo Aurelio Rivera Parrazales in Mérida, Yucatán, following allegations that he staged his own death to evade law enforcement. Rivera Parrazales was previously reported killed in an armed attack in Querétaro in mid-2025, but his recent apprehension confirms the incident was a ruse to protect his illicit financial operations.

A joint operation involving the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), the Ministry of Security and Civil Protection (SSPC), and the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) targeted four properties. Authorities seized assets exceeding 145 million pesos ($8 million USD), including firearms, illegal substances, and a fleet of 15 luxury sports cars, such as Lamborghinis and Ferraris.

Investigations identify Rivera Parrazales as a financial operator linked to criminal organizations, including the Cártel del Noreste and La Barredora. He reportedly built significant wealth through government contracts in the health, energy, and housing sectors. Allegations also suggest his network involved the diversion of public resources and connections to political figures, including business circles associated with Andrés Manuel López Beltrán.