# Fuel theft and illegal pipeline taps in Mexico > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fuel-theft-and-illegal-pipeline-taps-in-mexico > Updated: 2026-09-06T02:10:10.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 6. Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) reported a rise in illegal hydrocarbon pipeline taps during the first four months of 2026, with 3,836 incidents recorded nationwide. This represented a 3.7% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Hidalgo was identified as the state with the highest number of incidents, while the State of Mexico saw a 99% increase in unauthorized perforations in specific municipalities. In response, the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) conducted operations in Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, seizing approximately 173,800 liters of a petroleum-like liquid and disabling six clandestine taps. To address economic drivers, Pemex signed a collaboration agreement with the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) to share intelligence and dismantle the financial structures supporting fuel theft. Recent large-scale operations in Tamaulipas, near the United States border, have targeted ‘huachicol’—the illegal importation of fuel from the U.S. for untaxed resale. These raids, involving a ranch, a clandestine gas station, and a storage center, resulted in the seizure of 68,000 liters of diesel, firearms, and various equipment. The operations, which involved the Secretaría de Marina (Semar) and the FGR in a crackdown against the Gulf Cartel, also uncovered an illegal wildlife sanctuary. Authorities rescued 135 exotic animals, including Bengal tigers, jaguars, African lions, hyenas, bison, and camels. At least 35 of these animals belong to species threatened with extinction. The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) confirmed that 90 of the rescued specimens are listed under national or international protection status, such as the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 standard or CITES. While Profepa reported the animals are in “favorable physical and health conditions,” the Tamaulipas Commission of Parks and Biodiversity has offered to assist with temporary housing for certain species, noting that state parks lack the capacity to accommodate all specimens. ## Claims - Authorities conducted searches in five properties in Tampico and Altamira, Tamaulipas. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Authorities seized 135 exotic animals, including species in danger of extinction or under special protection. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Approximately 68,000 liters of diesel were seized during the operation. (corroborated by 6 sources) - One person was arrested during the raids in Tamaulipas. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Authorities seized firearms, vehicles, and equipment used for illegal fuel handling. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) took custody of the seized animals for health evaluation. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The FGR seized approximately 173,800 liters of fuel and disabled six clandestine taps in Hidalgo. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Pemex and the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) signed an agreement to combat fuel theft and financial crimes. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Mexican authorities seize 135 exotic animals during cartel operation Mexican authorities seized 135 exotic animals, including tigers, jaguars, and lions, at a ranch in Tamaulipas during an operation targeting the Gulf Cartel. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexican-authorities-seize-135-exotic-animals-during-cartel-operation ### 2026-08-31: Tamaulipas officials coordinate care for seized exotic animals Authorities in Tamaulipas are coordinating the temporary housing of exotic animals seized in a recent operation, though state parks face capacity limits. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tamaulipas-officials-coordinate-care-for-seized-exotic-animals ### 2026-08-28: Profepa identifies 130 rescued animals in Tamaulipas Profepa identified 130 rescued animals in Tamaulipas, including 90 protected species such as jaguars and primates, following a law enforcement operation. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/profepa-identifies-130-rescued-animals-in-tamaulipas ### 2026-08-28: Mexico authorities rescue 135 exotic animals during fuel smuggling raid Mexican authorities rescued 135 exotic and endangered animals, including tigers and lions, during a raid on a fuel smuggling operation in Tamaulipas. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-authorities-rescue-135-exotic-animals-during-fuel-smuggling-raid ### 2026-08-26: Mexican authorities seize exotic animals and fuel in Tamaulipas raids Mexican authorities seized 135 exotic animals and 68,000 liters of diesel during raids in Tamaulipas. Separately, the FGR disabled six fuel taps in Hidalgo, while Pemex and the UIF signed a new anti-theft pact. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fgr-seizes-173800-liters-of-fuel-and-disables-six-clandestine-taps-in-hidalgo ### 2026-07-29: Pemex reports surge in illegal pipeline taps across Mexican states Pemex reports a near‑doubling of illegal pipeline taps in the State of Mexico and record levels in Hidalgo, Michoacán and other states during early 2026, seizing LPG supplies and vehicles. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pemex-reports-surge-in-illegal-pipeline-taps-across-mexican-states --- Cite as: Fuel theft and illegal pipeline taps in Mexico. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fuel-theft-and-illegal-pipeline-taps-in-mexico