# Mexican authorities combat illegal fuel trafficking

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mexican-authorities-combat-illegal-fuel-trafficking
> Updated: 2026-08-19T01:27:44.000Z. Sources: 36. Developments: 2.

Mexican authorities have intensified operations against illegal fuel trafficking, known as “huachicol”. 

In late August 2026, federal forces dismantled four illegal fuel processing centers located across San Luis Potosí, Hidalgo, and Morelos. These operations resulted in the seizure of over 900,000 liters of fuel and various pieces of industrial equipment. 

In Tamaulipas, the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) continued its crackdown in Altamira, seizing nearly 300,000 liters of hydrocarbons and dozens of cargo units, which led to the detention of three individuals. Meanwhile, in Guanajuato, authorities intercepted a truck containing 21,000 liters of unverified fuel and recovered another 10,000 liters from an abandoned vehicle.

## Claims

- The investigation targets crimes including fraud against the treasury, bribery, coercion, money laundering, and influence peddling. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Authorities conducted simultaneous raids at the National Congress and Junaeb offices. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The probe involves the food service company SOSER S.A. and its contracts for the School Feeding Program (PAE). (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The case involves an estimated diversion of up to $15 million. (single source)
- A judge authorized the lifting of banking secrecy for several investigated individuals. (single source)
- SOSER S.A. claims it has acted in accordance with regulations and bidding rules. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Chilean authorities raid Congress and Junaeb in corruption probe

Chilean authorities are investigating a massive corruption scheme involving Junaeb and SOSER S.A., targeting alleged fraud in school feeding contracts that may have diverted $15 million.

36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guanajuato-authorities-seize-10000-liters-of-fuel-from-abandoned-truck

### 2026-07-30: Mexico cracks down on illegal fuel, seizing storage sites and taps

Mexico’s anti‑huachicol drive sees federal forces seize illegal fuel storage in Veracruz, uncover clandestine taps in Jalisco and confiscate 80,000 L in Hidalgo, with Sheinbaum stressing no clandestine refiner­

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-seizes-illegal-hydrocarbon-storage-center-in-veracruz

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Cite as: Mexican authorities combat illegal fuel trafficking. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mexican-authorities-combat-illegal-fuel-trafficking