Veracruz authorities audit notary offices amid real estate probe

Authorities in Veracruz are conducting inspections of the state's 260 notary offices to detect potential real estate irregularities. The investigations follow allegations of a “real estate cartel,” a term Joaquín Tiburcio Galicia, president of the Colegio de Notarios del Estado de Veracruz, described as a “media term” that has appeared in other Mexican states.

Two notary offices are currently undergoing investigation. Tiburcio Galicia stated that the affected parties are exercising their legal rights to present evidence and that one case may have already seen the reparation of potential damages. He noted that the Colegio de Notarios is acting as a technical collaborator in these investigations.

Alberto Galland Marqués, head of Notary 10 in Orizaba, has called for individual case reviews based on specific files rather than broad accusations. He noted that several offices in his area have already been inspected by the General Directorate of the Public Property Registry without any negative findings. Galland Marqués emphasized that authorities must determine individual responsibility to avoid unfairly tarnishing the reputation of the entire profession.