UPDATE: Tijuana’s Mayor, Miguel Brugueno Ruiz, is launching a legal threat against news outlets covering his alleged involvement in a money laundering investigation. This urgent development follows his confirmation of a notification from Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office regarding a hearing set for Tuesday.
The mayor’s accusations stem from ties to two businessmen linked to notorious drug cartels: Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel. These cartels, identified as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S. government, have been under scrutiny for their criminal activities in the region.
During public events earlier this week, Brugueno claimed the investigation was a politically motivated stunt, sparked by an anonymous tip. He vehemently denied any wrongdoing and threatened to take legal action against media outlets disseminating information about the ongoing inquiry.
The situation escalated when local news in Tijuana published photographs of court documents, including a notice for Brugueno to appear at the FEMDO headquarters. Alongside the mayor, authorities are also investigating other politicians and businessmen in Baja California.
Brugueno has been connected to Fernando Rafael Salgado Chavez and Marco Antonio Moreno Santelices, both of whom have drawn attention for their alleged ties to organized crime, further complicating the political landscape in the region.
This alarming scandal in Baja California comes just months after Governor Marina del Pilar and her husband had their tourist visas revoked by the U.S. Department of State, a move they attributed to a clerical error. The revocation highlights a growing concern over the connections between Mexican politicians and criminal organizations.
As Tijuana’s mayor continues to face mounting pressure, local and international audiences are urged to monitor developments closely. The implications of this investigation could reverberate through the region’s political landscape, affecting not just Brugueno but potentially many others in positions of power.
Stay tuned as further updates on this developing story unfold.
