# Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya corruption allegations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sinaloa-governor-rubn-rocha-moya-corruption-allegations > Updated: 2026-08-19T22:13:35.000Z. Sources: 98. Developments: 3. Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya is facing intensifying scrutiny regarding alleged ties to organized crime. Investigations by Deutsche Welle and the United States Department of Justice have detailed claims of political corruption and involvement in drug trafficking. U.S. prosecutors have expanded accusations against Rocha Moya, linking him to a conspiracy to distribute drugs in the United States and the July 25, 2024, murder of federal deputy Héctor Melesio Cuén. The homicide allegedly occurred at a Culiacán residence during a meeting involving Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, who was reportedly acting as a mediator for a conflict regarding the University of Sinaloa. The judicial case has been strengthened by the surrender and testimony of two high-ranking officials, General Gerardo Mérida and Enrique Díaz. Critics have alleged that the Mexican Attorney General’s Office (FGR) failed to investigate properly, suggesting a potential cover-up by the Sinaloa prosecutor's office. Further reports from Deutsche Welle utilize testimonies from hitmen and politicians to describe how criminal groups allegedly influenced the 2021 election to ensure Rocha Moya’s victory. These allegations coincide with extreme violence in Culiacán driven by an internal conflict between the ‘Los Chapitos’ and ‘Los Mayos’ cartel factions. Following a 112-day temporary leave of absence initiated on May 1 to cooperate with legal investigations, Rocha Moya has officially resumed his duties. He declared himself innocent of the accusations, characterizing them as politically motivated, after the FGR reported that no evidence was found to substantiate claims of criminal involvement. He stated upon his return that he is acting with his “frente limpia y en alto” (clean forehead and head held high). His return has drawn criticism from political opponents, including members of the PRI, who have questioned the transparency of the investigations. He is set to complete his term on October 31, 2027. ## Claims - DEWA Capital will invest 10,106 million pesos in the Zapotlán de Juárez development pole. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Rubén Rocha Moya has resumed his role as Governor of Sinaloa. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The FGR concluded there is no evidence to support allegations of criminal conduct against Rocha Moya. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The governor's temporary leave of absence lasted 112 days. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Rocha Moya's constitutional mandate ends on October 31, 2027. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The development pole is expected to generate 191,000 jobs. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Cruz Azul will invest 6,500 million pesos to reactivate its Tula cement plant. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The Zapotlán development pole involves 130 projects totaling 147,000 million pesos. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Cruz Azul reactivation will generate 14,200 jobs. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Zapotlán development pole covers 910 hectares. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Construction for the first phase of the development pole is scheduled to begin in late September. (corroborated by 4 sources) - DEWA's first phase includes 1,277 million pesos for urbanization and 2,000 million pesos for two industrial warehouses. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-19: Rubén Rocha Moya resumes Sinaloa governorship after 112-day leave Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya has returned to office after a 112-day leave of absence. The FGR found no evidence to support U.S. allegations of criminal links during his period of cooperation. 93 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zapotln-development-pole-reaches-147-billion-pesos-in-investment ### 2026-08-12: Sinaloa political ties to cartels investigated by Deutsche Welle A Deutsche Welle investigation alleges links between Sinaloa political leader Rubén Rocha Moya and the Sinaloa Cartel, amid ongoing violence between the Los Chapitos and Los Mayos factions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sinaloa-political-ties-to-cartels-investigated-by-deutsche-welle ### 2026-08-12: Rubén Rocha Moya faces expanded U.S. accusations The U.S. Department of Justice is expanding accusations against Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya to include the murder of deputy Héctor Melesio Cuén and drug conspiracy charges. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rubn-rocha-moya-faces-expanded-us-accusations --- Cite as: Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya corruption allegations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sinaloa-governor-rubn-rocha-moya-corruption-allegations