Mexico corruption investigations show high impunity rates

A study by Transparencia Mexicana reveals high levels of impunity regarding corruption investigations by oversight bodies in Mexico. Nationally, only 7.1 percent of cases investigated by superior oversight bodies resulted in administrative sanctions. Specifically, the Auditoría Superior de la Federación (ASF) has seen only 15 sanctions out of 1,542 investigations conducted between 2015 and 2025, representing a 0.97 percent success rate in terms of punishment.

In the state of Veracruz, the situation shows 96 investigations for probable administrative responsibilities, but only 11 total sanctions and nine definitive rulings have been recorded. Other states like Nayarit, Jalisco, and Estado de México also show significant gaps between the number of investigations and actual sanctions.

The findings come as the Mexican Congress prepares to discuss reforms to the Law of Superior Oversight. Transparencia Mexicana suggests that addressing procedural immunity, or ‘fuero’, and increasing the risks associated with corruption are essential steps to ensure investigations lead to meaningful consequences.