Francisco José Barns de Castro Identifies Massive Fuel Smuggling Scheme Costing Mexico Over 730 Billion Pesos
Investigator Francisco José Barns de Castro reports that Mexico has faced a massive fuel smuggling scheme since 2019, resulting in accumulated losses exceeding 730 billion pesos. The analysis reveals that after the federal government closed and secured Pemex pipelines to reduce theft, criminal organizations shifted their focus to mass smuggling through ports and maritime customs. Data shows that between 2019 and mid-2026, approximately 935 million barrels of illicit fuel entered the country. This trend is most pronounced in diesel imports from the United States, where nearly one out of every five barrels exported was not registered as legal imports. The study highlights that while previous administrations saw marginal contraband, the current administration's operations have allowed smuggling to reach record levels. The report also identifies specific high-profile cases, such as the Challenge Procyon vessel, which exposed the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación's influence in maritime customs. These findings contradict claims by Morena leaders that smuggling originated primarily from earlier reforms, suggesting instead that the shift was a strategic response by organized crime to the government's pipeline protection measures.