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Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya corruption allegations

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2026-08-21 17:06 UTC → 2026-08-21 18:15 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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