Rubén Rocha Moya and Américo Villarreal accused of ties to organized crime

U.S. agencies, including the CIA, DEA, FBI, and DHS, have reportedly gathered evidence linking former Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and Tamaulipas Governor Américo Villarreal Anaya to organized crime. The U.S. Department of Justice has issued formal accusations against Rocha Moya and nine other former Sinaloan officials for conspiracy to traffic narcotics and illegal weapons possession.

Accusations suggest these officials provided institutional protection to the ‘Los Chapitos’ faction of the Sinaloa Cartel in exchange for economic support for their 2021 political campaigns. The allegations also include kidnapping, voter manipulation, and intimidation of political opponents. Following these developments, Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) froze the accounts of Rocha Moya and his family due to suspected money laundering.

Rocha Moya requested an indefinite leave of absence from his post on May 1, 2026, and Mexico is currently analyzing a U.S. extradition request. The situation has caused significant political friction within Mexico’s ruling party, as officials navigate the tension between defending political allies and addressing the legal challenges presented by U.S. authorities.