The United States Justice Department has formally charged the governor of Mexico's Sinaloa state, Ruben Rocha Moya, along with nine other current and former Mexican officials, for their alleged involvement with the Sinaloa Cartel. According to the Justice Department, Moya and the others conspired with cartel leaders to import massive quantities of narcotics into the United States in exchange for political support and bribes.
Details of the Charges
The indictment alleges that the accused officials participated in the cartel's campaign of violence and drug trafficking operations. The charges against Moya are particularly problematic for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, as Moya belongs to the same ruling Morena party and is a close ally of former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Sheinbaum's predecessor and mentor.
US Attorney's Statement
US Attorney Jay Clayton stated, "Let these charges send a clear message to all officials around the globe who work with narco-traffickers: no matter your title or position, we are committed to bringing you to justice." The charges follow a promise by the US ambassador to Mexico last week to take action against corruption in Mexico.
Mexican Response
In response, Mexican federal prosecutors announced they will open their own investigation into the Sinaloa governor to determine if the US accusations have legal grounds. Mexico's foreign ministry confirmed it had received US extradition requests for "various people," without specifically naming Moya. The ministry noted that such cases are normally handled confidentially under bilateral ties and expressed protest over the public announcement of the charges.
The Mexican attorney general's office will decide whether Moya and the other suspects will be extradited to the United States, according to the foreign ministry.
Moya's Denial
Moya has "categorically and absolutely" rejected the allegations, calling them "completely false and baseless." In a post on social media platform X, he stated, "This attack is not solely against my person; but against the movement of the Fourth Transformation, its emblematic leaderships, and the Mexican women and men who represent that cause." He alleged that the indictment is part of a "perverse strategy" to violate national sovereignty and assured the people of his state that they would "demonstrate the lack of foundation for this slander."
