Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit will allow former Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya to access specific pension funds despite ongoing financial freezes, El Financiero reported on Friday.
The partial unfreezing complies with a provisional suspension granted by the Federal Court of Administrative Justice, according to the Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit. Rocha Moya can now collect retirement and widow’s pensions through the ISSSTE, the IMSS, and the Autonomous University of Sinaloa.
The financial intelligence agency stated the measure respects the legal principle protecting pension funds from seizure. However, the move does not constitute a total release of the former governor’s bank accounts, and all other financial operations remain strictly restricted.
US Authorities Allege Rocha Moya Facilitated Drug Trafficking
Rocha Moya’s bank accounts were originally immobilized in May 2026 after U.S. authorities accused him, along with several collaborators and Senator Enrique Inzunza, of ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. The U.S. Justice Department alleged that the officials facilitated drug trafficking operations in exchange for bribes and political backing.
The administrative court case leading to this partial release was initiated by a former Sinaloa government official, according to reporting by journalist Arturo Ángel cited by El Financiero. The Second Regional Chamber of the Federal Court of Administrative Justice ordered the reactivation of two specific accounts used to collect three distinct pensions.
Those disbursements include a widow’s pension from the Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers, an old-age retirement pension from the Mexican Social Security Institute, and a retirement pension from his academic career at the Autonomous University of Sinaloa, El Imparcial noted.
Political Fallout and Blocked Asset Lists
Following the U.S. indictments, major Mexican banks moved quickly to close accounts linked to the former governor to protect themselves from foreign regulatory penalties, EL PAÍS reported. The financial intelligence agency subsequently added the suspects to its Blocked Persons List.
Rocha Moya has consistently denied all accusations of criminal involvement. After taking a leave of absence lasting over three months, the politician attempted to resume his gubernatorial duties in August 2026, only to face immediate political opposition from within his own party, Morena, as well as federal prosecutors.
Ongoing Financial Restrictions
The Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit emphasized that the administrative relief applies exclusively to protected pension benefits. All other assets remain tied up under the ongoing federal investigation.
“Los recursos distintos a los expresamente señalados en la resolución, así como cualquier otra operación financiera permanecen sujetos a las restricciones correspondientes,” the agency indicated, according to Yahoo.
The financial intelligence unit stated it will follow due process, the right to a hearing, and its efforts to stop illicit financial operations while it processes the court mandates.
