Former Michoacán Governor Silvano Aureoles Conejo was arrested on March 1, 2025, just two hours after the issuance of his arrest warrant. This swift action came as part of a broader investigation by the Federal Attorney General's Office (FGR) concerning allegations of corruption during his administration from 2015 to 2021.
The FGR accuses Aureoles of embezzlement, money laundering, and organized crime related to irregular payments for the construction of security headquarters during his tenure. The arrest took place at approximately 12:05 PM on the same day he was targeted, carried out by elements of the FGR and the National Guard at a private residence located in Zapopan, Jalisco. This operation reflects growing federal scrutiny of corruption within previous administrations as well as the gravity of the charges against Aureoles.
According to judicial sources, the order of arrest was issued by Judge Patricia Sánchez Nava under criminal cause 118/2025. The same investigative body is also pursuing several former officials linked to Aureoles, including Carlos Maldonado Mendoza, who served as finance secretary and was arrested earlier the same day. He is currently charged with the diversion of four billion pesos through fraudulent procurement practices, among other offenses. The allegations encompass additional charges against six other former officials, highlighting systematic financial misconduct throughout Aureoles’s administration.
Notably, Joaquín Coronel Martinez, the former head of security under Aureoles, and another close associate, Mario Delgado Murillo, along with Elizabeth Villegas Pineda, have been similarly implicated. Their involvement stems from the financial discrepancies connected to the construction of seven police headquarters across the region, which reportedly incurred costs far exceeding appropriate evaluations. The current governor, Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, has stated more than 13 complaints have been initiated against Aureoles and his administration's misuse of funds, particularly linked to the inflated costs of these facilities.
The FGR's investigation revealed startling figures, including over 5.186 billion pesos allegedly misappropriated under Aureoles’s governance. A large portion of this sum was allegedly used for contracts awarded without proper oversight, leading to the overpricing and possible fraud involved with security installations across various municipalities, including Apatzingán, Uruapan, and Zitácuaro.
"More than 13 complaints have been filed against Aureoles and various former officials, alleging inflated payments for regional police headquarters," revealed officials early on. This encompasses allegations of embezzlement related to security projects where the actual costs scarcely matched reported expenses.
Beyond these financial allegations, Aureoles has faced criticism for his handling of public safety during his governance. He has been at the center of controversies alleging repression of protests and other civil actions, casting long shadows over his political legacy. This latest constitutional development only adds to these critiques, marking his place within Michoacán's contentious political history.
Aureoles’ arrest is viewed as part of the current government's broader commitment to tackling corruption. The apprehension of high-profile political figures within Mexico reflects increasing accountability measures as presented by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador against previous administrations. Observers note these developments could serve as deterrents to corruption as the administration pushes to restore public trust.
For now, Silvano Aureoles will be transferred to federal prison as the investigation continues. His attorneys have protested the proceedings, claiming they are politically motivated, but officials insist the evidence justifies the charges. Meanwhile, Aureoles remains silent about the specifics, awaiting forthcoming legal proceedings.
With the arrest of other involved parties and the scale of the alleged corruption, it remains to be seen how this case will affect not only the political climate within Michoacán but also the national narrative surrounding accountability and governance within Mexico.