On March 14, 2025, Jaqueline Malinali Gálvez Ruiz, the sister of former presidential candidate Xóchitl Gálvez, was sentenced to 89 years in prison for her role in organized crime, including aggravated kidnapping and the possession of military-grade ammunition.
Malinali Gálvez, who has been detained for nearly 13 years, was found guilty of participating in the notorious kidnapping gang known as "Los Tolmex," notorious for their brutal tactics. These tactics included mutilation of victims and holding them captive under horrific conditions, sometimes even locking them inside cages. This gang operated primarily within the vicinity of the State of Mexico and Mexico City.
The sentencing was pronounced by Judge Mariana Vieryra Valdés at the Third District Court for Criminal Matters located in Toluca. The ruling emerged from investigations led by the Attorney General's Office (FGR), which linked Gálvez to the kidnapping of two specific victims, Marcela Patricia Flores Domínguez and Rodolfo Morales Hernández, abducted on May 22, 2012.
During her sentencing, Gálvez was found guilty of being part of this highly dangerous criminal group, which utilized extreme measures to compel families to pay huge ransoms, often employing psychological intimidation. Reports specified how members would record acts of violence against their victims and send the footage to their families to instigate fear and pressure them for payment.
Throughout her twelve years of incarceration, Xóchitl Gálvez publicly commented on her sister's situation, asserting her belief in Malinali's innocence even as her sister faced serious allegations. Expressing her stance during political campaigns, she stated, "A judge will determine the guilt or innocence, and if guilty, she will pay for it. I have never used my position to seek impunity for her." Xóchitl continuously reiterated her commitment to morality and justice, distancing her public responsibilities from personal family matters.
Even as Xóchitl claimed she would not intervene on her sister's behalf, skepticism remained surrounding her ability to maintain neutrality due to her influential political roles. Critics have pointed out the perceived privileges enjoyed by Malinali due to her sister's political connections.
On the day of her sentencing, the FGR had informed Judge Vieryra Valdés of the anticipated decision, marking the culmination of the legal process against Malinali, who also faced additional penalties, including monetary fines exceeding 700,000 pesos.
Malinali's conviction has stirred reactions from the victims' families, particularly from Luis Olmedo, the son of one of her past victims. Olmedo spoke out publicly about the trauma endured by his family during the time of the kidnappings, highlighting anxiety and fear due to the violent acts committed by Gálvez and her accomplices. He stressed the importance of accountability, stating, "There is no doubt Malinali kidnapped my mother; the investigation file proves it."
Olmedo explained how Malinali actively misled families during the election campaigns of Xóchitl, hoping to trap potential victims by leveraging political events. He stated, "Malinali used the contacts and name of Gálvez to attract victims," detailing how his mother had been led to trust Malinali due to personal connections.
The echoes of her actions have raised questions about how deeply intertwined family and crime can be and the impact of political lineage on justice. Critics like Olmedo argue their plight has often been overshadowed by the political narrative concerning Xóchitl Gálvez, claiming, "Xóchitl has never shown empathy for the victims of her sister's kidnappings."
The tragedy of this case exemplifies the broader issues of crime and legislation within Mexico, raising discussions around the intersections of politics, familial ties, and public safety. Many advocate for systemic changes to address such chaotic networks of crime and to protect potential victims.
The next steps for Malinali Gálvez will depend on potential appeals to her sentence, as her defense team considers challenging the ruling through the local Appeals Court. The outcome of these legal maneuvers could shape the narratives surrounding both sisters, entwining justice and politics seamlessly.
Political analysts note the impact of public perception on future elections and policy decisions, highlighting how individual case stories can drastically shift public opinion. The situation remains deeply nuanced as layers of familial loyalty, societal responsibilities, and the quest for accountability find themselves at odds.