Four former officials of Silvano Aureoles' government in Michoacan have been arrested, accused of embezzling state funds. This significant development was confirmed on Saturday by state government sources. There is also reportedly an arrest warrant out for former Governor Aureoles himself, related to the same charges.
The current governor of Michoacan, Alfredo Ramirez Bedolla, has alleged these former officials diverted 5.186 billion pesos intended for the construction of police barracks. The former officials include Carlos Maldonado Mendoza, who served as the Secretary of Finance under Aureoles; his arrest took place at a U.S. airport, from where he was extradited back to Mexico. Others detained include Mario Delgado Murillo, former delegate of Finance and Security, and Elizabeth Villegas Pineda, another former security official. Antonio Bernal Bustamante, ex-Secretary of Security, was also among those arrested.
Aureoles, who governed Michoacan from 2015 to 2021 with the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), witnessed increased violence from organized crime during his tenure. He had previously expressed concerns about the state's deteriorated security situation, stating, "Mexico is rapidly heading toward becoming a narco-state" during an interview with EL PAÍS back in July 2020. Despite his calls for meetings with President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador to discuss safety issues, their dialogues never materialized.
The ex-governor remains at large, and Judge has issued additional orders for his extradition. His political legacy is marred by allegations of improper financial conduct. These concerns became prominent when, following his administration, it was revealed during late 2021 investigations by the Michoacan government, focusing on significant fraud totaling 5.186 billion pesos related to police infrastructure projects.
According to reports, some police facilities suffered from exorbitant costing and poor construction quality, with some private areas equipped with luxurious amenities for Aureoles. Notably, over 1.227 billion pesos were spent on the rental of helicopters and aircraft with dubious contracts made with B3 Fly Services S.A. Further discrepancies amounting to 70 million pesos were uncovered by the Michoacan Superior Audit, related to public works project irregularities from 2018.
Aureoles, alongside his former finance secretary and three others, is accused of committing serious crimes including embezzlement, involvement with organized crime, and fraud, leading to severe ramifications for the individuals involved. Reports show Aureoles’ involvement with organized crime escalated dramatically during his governance period, leading to political instability and concerns over the dire security situation.
Such events show the precarious state of Michoacan over the years. The increasing tensions culminated during Aureoles' governance, stirring significant public and media scrutiny. Following the revelations of alleged financial mismanagement, the current state administration is working on accountability measures targeting past officials who potentially embezzled public funds. This move is considered necessary to restore public trust.
Aureoles’ detention, should it come to pass, will mark a notable chapter not only for Michoacan politics but across entire Mexico, emphasizing the call for public official accountability amid rampant corruption allegations.