In a significant legal turn, former Governor Ernesto Ruffo Appel has been granted house arrest by a federal judge. Moving from the high-security Altiplano prison to Ensenada, the former official continues to face allegations of leading a complex fuel theft network, while his legal team pushes for his full release.
Mexico is facing a critical challenge as the illegal import of US diesel, known locally as 'huachicol fiscal', saw a staggering increase to 3.1 million barrels in June 2026. This 520% jump since January highlights systemic vulnerabilities in border controls and a growing tax evasion crisis that impacts the nation's energy economy.
In a significant legal shift, a federal judge has granted house arrest to former Governor Ernesto Ruffo Appel. Previously held in the high-security Altiplano prison, the former official faces allegations of leading a complex tax fraud network involving the illegal fuel trade. He is expected to be transferred to his home in Ensenada within the next 48 hours.
