Rubén Rocha Moya faces expanded U.S. accusations

The United States Department of Justice is reportedly expanding its accusations against Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya. The new allegations include the murder of federal deputy Héctor Melesio Cuén. This expansion links the homicide to a conspiracy to distribute and market drugs within the United States, significantly increasing the legal stakes for the governor.

The murder of Cuén allegedly occurred on July 25, 2024, at a residence in Culiacán, coinciding with the high-profile capture of Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López. Reports suggest Cuén was attending a meeting intended to mediate a conflict regarding the University of Sinaloa, involving Zambada as a mediator.

Further developments indicate that two high-ranking officials, General Gerardo Mérida and Enrique Díaz, have surrendered and provided testimony that strengthens the judicial case against Rocha Moya. Critics argue that the Mexican Attorney General’s Office (FGR) has failed to investigate the governor despite evidence suggesting the Sinaloa prosecutor's office may have covered up the Cuén homicide.