President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed Monday that the Federal Attorney General's Office is investigating Rubén Rocha Moya and nine other officials [1].
The probe follows requests from U.S. authorities regarding possible wrongdoing. The investigation tests the tension between Mexican judicial sovereignty and security cooperation with the U.S. as the federal government determines if formal charges are warranted.
During her daily press conference in Mexico City, Sheinbaum said the Federal Attorney General's Office, known as the FGR, is currently reviewing the case involving 10 people [1]. While U.S. authorities have indicated potential misconduct, Sheinbaum said they have not presented formal evidence. She said, "No han enviado información," referring to the lack of shared documentation from the U.S. [3].
The investigation comes as Rocha Moya returns to the governorship of Sinaloa after a license from the office that lasted 112 days [4]. Reports on the status of the probe vary. While some sources indicate the FGR maintains an open investigation [2], others suggest the return to office followed a lack of evidence [4].
Sheinbaum said the return of Rocha Moya to the Sinaloa government was "imprudente" [5]. She further distanced herself from the governor, saying that she has not spoken with him and will not do so, adding that she is unaware of the motives behind his decision [6].
The FGR is now tasked with determining if there are sufficient elements to pursue charges against the officials. The process remains active as the federal prosecutor evaluates the claims made by U.S. authorities [1], [2].
“The FGR is investigating Rubén Rocha Moya and nine other officials”
This investigation highlights the complex diplomatic balancing act the Sheinbaum administration must maintain with the U.S. regarding organized crime and official corruption. By publicly noting the lack of formal evidence from U.S. authorities while simultaneously criticizing the governor's return to power, the president is signaling a commitment to legal process while distancing the central government from a politically volatile regional leader.
