A major scandal involving Mexican navy and high-ranking government officials is likely to result in over 200 arrests. Recent incidents, including two deaths within the naval agency, have fueled speculation about possible targeted killings designed to hinder investigations.
The latest death occurred on Tuesday during a shooting practice at a Navy facility in Puerto Penasco, Sonora. The Mexican Navy confirmed that the deceased officer was Captain Adilan Omar del Angels Niga.
Reports indicate that Del Angel Zuniga served as the deputy manager of Manzanillo’s customs office in 2022, before being succeeded by Vice-President Fernando Reuben Guerrero Alcantal. Admiral Guerrero had previously issued warnings regarding illegal fuel sales and importation, but he was murdered in 2024 under mysterious circumstances.
It is alleged that Captain Abraham Jeremias Perez Ramirez, based in Altamira, Tamaulipas, was responsible for Del Angel Zuniga’s death. According to sources, Perez Ramirez was in charge of safety at the international port and had received bribes linked to fuel smuggling operations. Interestingly, he cooperated with investigators as a witness in the ongoing case.
Authorities in Mexico took significant steps last week to address the illegal fuel market scandal by arresting Mexican navy vice president Manuel Roberto Farias Laguna and several other officials. Following Farias Laguna’s arrest, many controversies have emerged across the country. There are suspicions that prominent political figures from the ruling party, Morena, are entangled in the illegal fuel trade. Reports suggest that Morena has a history of using funds from illegal activities to finance political campaigns.
