UPDATE: Tijuana’s Mayor, Miguel Brugueno Ruiz, has issued a stark warning to local news outlets, threatening legal action against any reporting related to an ongoing money-laundering investigation involving him. This urgent development comes as Ruiz faces scrutiny for alleged connections to notorious criminal organizations, namely the Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel.
Earlier this week, during public appearances, Ruiz confirmed receiving a notification from the Attorney General’s Office of Mexico, mandating his appearance at a hearing linked to organized crime inquiries. The investigation was triggered by an anonymous tip, which Ruiz claims is politically motivated.
Local media in Tijuana published images of court documents, including a specific notice that requires Ruiz to be present at FEMDO headquarters on Tuesday. Alongside him, authorities are also seeking to question several other politicians and local businessmen.
Ruiz is reportedly connected to Fernando Rafael Salgado Chavez and Marco Antonio Moreno Santelices, both of whom have been identified in recent reports as key figures in the illicit activities associated with these cartels. The U.S. government has classified both CJNG and the Sinaloa Cartel as foreign terrorist organizations.
This latest scandal surfaces just months after political fallout involving Baja California’s Governor Marina del Pilar, who, along with her husband, faced visa revocation from the U.S. Department of State over alleged ties to organized crime. While they attributed the revocation to a clerical mistake, it adds to a troubling narrative for Mexican officials increasingly linked to criminal activities.
The implications of this investigation are profound, not only for Ruiz but also for the political landscape in Baja California. As the situation unfolds, the potential for increased scrutiny and further legal actions looms over the local government.
What happens next? Officials are expected to hold the hearing on Tuesday, which could lead to significant developments in the investigation. The political ramifications could extend beyond Tijuana, impacting public trust and safety in the region.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The unfolding events raise critical questions about transparency and accountability in Mexican politics, making it a story to watch closely.
