98 million liters of huachicol seized in one year: Security Cabinet

The federal government's Security Cabinet reported that, during the first year of the current administration , more than 98 million liters of stolen hydrocarbons were seized in 26 states . These actions are part of a national strategy to combat the so-called "huachicol," a crime that continues to pose a threat to the country's economy and energy security .

Among the most significant seizures was an operation in Tamaulipas , where authorities seized 10 million liters of diesel . This crackdown on organized crime was carried out in coordination with federal and state forces and resulted in the arrest of 15 people , including businesspeople and public officials , in Mexico City, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz .

The Security Cabinet indicated that this operation dismantled an illegal fuel transportation and marketing network operating under false documentation and with the complicity of private companies . The information obtained will be used to prosecute those responsible and strengthen ongoing investigations into the illicit hydrocarbon market.

The government noted that its strategy is based on four fundamental axes :

1. Prevention , through surveillance and monitoring of pipelines.
2. Strategic intelligence , to track criminal networks and detect illegal taps.
3. Coordinated operations between federal and local authorities.
4. Prosecution of those responsible , ensuring that cases do not go unpunished.

These actions, the Cabinet explained, seek to protect national energy security and preserve public resources , under a policy of zero tolerance for corruption .

Hydrocarbon theft , or huachicol, is considered a high-impact crime due to the multi-million dollar losses it generates in national revenue, in addition to posing a direct risk to communities near the perforated pipelines.

According to official figures, 1,938 illegal taps were identified and shut down last year. These facilities, generally constructed with rudimentary materials , not only allow illegal extraction but also endanger entire populations due to the possibility of leaks, fires, or explosions.

Federal authorities reiterated that protecting the communities affected by this crime is a priority, and that surveillance and remediation operations are ongoing in areas where illegal connections have been detected.

During the first year of the current administration, increased security and surveillance at strategic facilities led to the seizure of a wide range of materials and vehicles used in the transportation and storage of stolen fuel.

According to the Security Cabinet, the following were seized:

• 3,080 containers ,
• 1,656 tractor-trailers ,
• 1,433 drums , and
• 129 tanker trucks , in addition to other supplies used for the illegal extraction and transportation of hydrocarbons.

These results reflect the direct impact of the federal strategy on reducing the huachicol logistics networks, which in previous years operated with impunity in various regions of the country.

Intelligence work has been key to the results achieved. Authorities were able to identify complex criminal structures , some with a presence in multiple states and with ties to transportation companies .

The information obtained allowed for the refinement of the investigation files and progress toward bringing those involved to justice , a step the Cabinet considers essential to breaking the cycle of corruption and complicity that has protected these groups for years.

In addition, cooperation between federal agencies and state governments was strengthened, as well as coordination with Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) and the Attorney General's Office (FGR) , with the aim of monitoring strategic pipelines and preventing new illegal drilling .

The federal government emphasized that the fight against fuel theft not only seeks to curb fuel theft, but also to eradicate the corruption networks that facilitate it, both within and outside the energy sector.

According to the Security Cabinet, the operations will continue during the second year of the administration , focusing on prevention and prosecution to ensure that those responsible face legal and economic consequences.

Likewise, the plan is to strengthen oversight in critical areas and increase the presence of the National Guard in high-risk areas, especially in regions such as Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, and Puebla , where illegal tapping has historically been concentrated.

One year into his administration, the seizure of 98 million liters of stolen fuel represents significant progress in the fight against fuel theft. However, the challenge remains ensuring effective prosecution of those involved and eradicating the structural corruption that enables these networks to operate.

The government reiterates its commitment to a firm, uncompromising energy security policy that will allow for the recovery of national resources and protect communities affected by this crime. The fight against hydrocarbon theft remains a national priority for the country's economic development and stability.