Governors Involved in Embezzlement Scandals on the Run from Mexican Authorities J. Tadeo - Global Voices
go to original December 5, 2016

“Justice dances” (EDO Ilustrado)

Recent news headlines in Mexico have been dominated by corruption scandals involving governors and ex-governors — or góbers as they are popularly called — from various political parties who looted government coffers.

Over the past few months, Global Voices has covered corruption in Mexico and the efforts to confront it. The most well-known case is that of Javier Duarte from Veracruz, a former member of Mexico's ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). Duarte was suspended from office and subsequently expelled from the party.

In May 2016, the website Animal Político published an investigation revealing how the Duarte administration laundered millions in public funds through the use of fake companies. Months later in October, Duarte appeared on the country's highest-rated morning newscast and announced that he would step down and face the charges against him, then he fled — using a government helicopter according to some sources.

Another Mexican góber facing criminal charges is Guillermo Padrés from Sonora, a member of the National Action Party (PAN), a right-wing opposition party to the PRI. Padrés is being investigated for money laundering, tax evasion, and organized crime, among others. Like Duarte, he also created a media circus by appearing on a morning newscast, where he announced that he would turn himself over to police. Six days later, on November 16, a court ordered him to remain in jail for the duration of his trial for defrauding the treasury, to avoid another fugitive góber.

Padrés’ attorney is Antonio Lozano Gracia, a roguish old-timer of Mexico's political class. Lozano served as Attorney General of the Republic during an era tainted by shady investigations into the most notorious killings of the 1990s. His cases lost all credibility when it emerged that the institution he lead relied on the services of a clairvoyant known as “La Paca” to assist them. Now Lozano is defending Padrés and — according to some journalists — Javier Duarte, as well.

What happened in Veracruz was a completely avoidable political disaster and there are responsible parties: some directly responsible and others indirectly. All of them have first and last names. Some are known, and others are not. All deserve a trial. If they are found guilty, the law hands down the penalty.

The primary responsible party, the ringleader of the alleged looters, is the fugitive governor, Javier Duarte.

In this political landscape marred by corruption, the fundamental role of the political class, especially those responsible for the administration of justice, remains to be seen. Will they rise to the occasion or will they be unable to bring the góbers to justice and repair the damage they have caused?

Translated by Erin Gallagher

Read the rest at Global Voices | Español

Related: The Fugitive Ex-Governor Who's Active on Facebook (El Universal)

Related: Mexico Seizes More Than $12M from Ex-Governor Accused of Corruption (UPI)

Related: New Embezzlement Allegations Against Fugitive Former Mexico Governor (Insight Crime)

Related: Mexico Finds $20.5 Million Linked to Fugitive Ex-Governor Javier Duarte (Associated Press)

Related: Former Veracruz Attorney General Explains Decision to Resign (The News)

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!