U.S. Indicts Sinaloa Governor and Nine Mexican Officials on Cartel-Related Charges

U.S. unsealed charges against Rubén Rocha Moya, the 76-year-old governor of Mexico's Sinaloa state, and nine other current and former Mexican officials, accusing them of ties to the Sinaloa cartel. S.

U.S. government. The charges include drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and kidnapping. Prosecutors allege the Sinaloa cartel's Chapitos faction rigged the 2021 gubernatorial election for Rocha Moya by stealing ballots and kidnapping opposition candidates.

In exchange, the indictment states, Rocha Moya granted the Chapitos effective control over state and local law enforcement. Rocha Moya has served as governor since November 2021. The indictment claims he was elected with cartel assistance, including the intimidation of political rivals.

Specific charges against him include narcotics importation conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. If convicted, Rocha Moya could face life in prison or a mandatory minimum of 40 years. The 10 charged individuals are current and former government or law enforcement officials in Sinaloa, Mexico.

Enrique Inzunza Cazarez, a sitting Mexican senator, allegedly acted as a go-between for the Chapitos and the governor's office. Rocha Moya responded on X, stating he categorically and unequivocally rejects the charges, which are completely untrue and without any basis.

He added that the charges are part of a perverse strategy to violate Mexico’s constitutional order, specifically on national sovereignty.

Rocha Moya further wrote that they will show the charges do not have any sort of foundation. S. S.

And Mexico. He said the countries have pledged to strengthen transparency, enforce anti-corruption laws, and uphold the rule of law. S.

Government. The Mexican foreign relations secretariat stated the attorney general’s office would determine whether there was sufficient evidence to detain those charged. S. Attorney Jay Clayton said the Sinaloa Cartel and other drug trafficking organizations would not operate as freely or successfully without corrupt politicians and law enforcement officials on their payroll.

DEA Administrator Terrance Cole said the charges expose an effort to corrupt public institutions. S. Prosecutors detailed how the Chapitos faction provided bribes and support in exchange for protection of their operations.

The indictment highlights the cartel's designation as a terrorist organization and its involvement in narcotics importation. S. efforts to address cartel activities.

The case builds on prior indictments targeting Sinaloa cartel members. All defendants remain in Mexico, facing serious penalties if extradited and convicted.