Vice Admiral Arrested in Probe for Fuel Theft: Details of the Investigation by Fiscal’s Anti-Huachicler Task Force

2

high-Ranking Naval Officer Arrested in Mexico Fuel Theft Scandal

Mexico City – Vice Admiral Manuel Roberto Farías Laguna, former commander of the second naval area based in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, has been arrested and is facing charges related to illegal fuel trafficking. This marks the highest-profile arrest of a public servant so far in the current management’s crackdown on huachicol, or fuel theft.

According to reports, farías Laguna enjoyed a rapid ascent within the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), alongside his brother, Fernando Farías Laguna. Both men are linked by family ties to former Secretary of the Navy Admiral José Rafael Ojeda Durán, who was praised by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador as an “honest and upright man.”

in just two years, Vice Admiral Farías Laguna rose from the position of contralman (internal control officer) to the second-highest rank within the naval hierarchy. Sources indicate this promotion was facilitated by his close relationship with Admiral Ojeda Durán, who reportedly served as his private secretary. Additionally, he served as a private secretary to the Undersecretary of the Navy José Luis Arellano Ruiz.

Authorities allege that Farías Laguna was arrested in Sonora on Tuesday for his involvement in the disappearance of 10 million liters of fuel seized in Tampico, Tamaulipas, in march.The Secretariat of the Navy, now under Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles, has asserted its commitment to a “zero tolerance” policy towards such illicit activities and expressed dedication to those who demonstrate “honour, duty, loyalty, and patriotism.”

This arrest raises serious questions about the extent of corruption within the Mexican Navy and the effectiveness of the current administration’s fight against fuel theft. the ongoing examination is expected to uncover further details about the alleged network of influence peddling and corruption.

What specific evidence led to the arrest of the Vice Admiral, and how does this case demonstrate the reach of *huachicoleo* within the Peruvian Navy?

The Arrest and Initial Charges

A Vice Admiral within the Peruvian Navy has been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into large-scale fuel theft, spearheaded by the Fiscal’s Anti-Huachicler Task Force (Grupo Especial contra el Crimen de Huachicoleo). The arrest, made public on September 7, 2025, marks a important escalation in the government’s crackdown on huachicoleo – the illegal tapping and sale of oil and fuel. While the Vice Admiral’s name has been initially withheld pending further investigation, sources confirm the charges relate to conspiracy, abuse of authority, and complicity in fuel smuggling.

The initial investigation suggests the Vice Admiral allegedly facilitated the theft of fuel from naval facilities,allowing illicit operators access to significant quantities of diesel and gasoline. The estimated value of the stolen fuel is currently under assessment but is projected to be in the millions of dollars. This case highlights the potential for corruption within high-ranking positions and the challenges in combating organized crime related to fuel theft in Peru.

The Role of the Anti-Huachicler Task Force

The Fiscal’s Anti-Huachicler Task Force, established in 2023, has been instrumental in disrupting illegal fuel operations across Peru. Huachicoleo has become a major economic and security concern,costing the nation billions annually and fueling criminal networks.

Key functions of the Task Force include:

Intelligence Gathering: Utilizing surveillance, informants, and data analysis to identify huachicoleo hotspots and key players.

Raids and Seizures: Conducting operations to dismantle illegal tapping points, seize stolen fuel, and arrest perpetrators.

Financial Investigations: Tracing the flow of funds associated with fuel theft to identify and prosecute financiers.

Collaboration: Working with other law enforcement agencies, including the National Police and the Armed Forces, to coordinate efforts.

This recent arrest demonstrates the Task force’s commitment to pursuing investigations at all levels, irrespective of rank or position.

Details of the investigation: How the Scheme Unfolded

The investigation, codenamed “Operation Black Tide,” began several months ago following a tip-off regarding irregularities in fuel inventory at a naval base in Callao. Investigators discovered discrepancies between reported fuel consumption and actual usage.

Here’s a breakdown of the alleged scheme:

1. Internal Facilitation: The Vice Admiral, allegedly in exchange for bribes, provided access to restricted areas within the naval facility.
2. Illegal Tapping: Illicit operators tapped into fuel pipelines and storage tanks.
3. Transportation: Stolen fuel was transported via tankers and trucks, frequently enough disguised as legitimate shipments.
4. Sale on the Black Market: The fuel was sold to unauthorized distributors and consumers at significantly reduced prices.
5. Money Laundering: Proceeds from the sale were allegedly laundered through shell companies and offshore accounts.

Evidence gathered includes surveillance footage, financial records, and witness testimonies.Several other naval personnel and civilian contractors are also under investigation.

Impact on National Security and the Economy

The scale of the alleged fuel theft raises serious concerns about national security. Compromised fuel supplies could potentially impact naval operations and readiness. Furthermore, huachicoleo significantly damages the Peruvian economy:

Loss of Revenue: The state loses ample tax revenue from the sale of stolen fuel.

Infrastructure Damage: illegal tapping damages pipelines and infrastructure, requiring costly repairs.

Environmental Impact: Fuel spills contaminate soil and water sources, causing environmental damage.

Funding of Criminal organizations: Huachicoleo provides a significant source of funding for organized crime groups.

Legal Proceedings and Potential penalties

The Vice Admiral is currently being held in pre-trial detention. The Fiscal’s Office is seeking a lengthy prison sentence and the seizure of assets acquired through illicit means.Potential charges include:

Conspiracy: Participating in a criminal enterprise.

Abuse of Authority: Misusing