On 8 December, Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador ordered investigations into federal Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero and the former head of Mexico’s financial intelligence unit (UIF), Santiago Nieto, following separate allegations of financial irregularities.
Analysis:
López Obrador stressed that he does not believe either man to be dishonest, but highlighted his Movimiento Regeneración Nacional (Morena) government’s dedication to fighting corruption, stating “there is no tolerance for anyone [who breaks the law]”. The investigations, which will be carried out by the ministry of public administration (SFP), the federal oversight body, will look into the allegations of illicit enrichment surrounding both men.
- Earlier this week Mexican newspaper El Universal reported that the UIF was investigating Gertz for alleged illicit enrichment – claims that the UIF has denied. El Universal alleged the investigation centred around Gertz’s purchase of 122 luxury cars, for a total of over M$109m (US$5.2m), between 2014 and 2015. The newspaper also detailed large international bank transfers made by Gertz to accounts in the US and Spain and the handling of “millions in cheques and cash”.
- On 8 December, Senator Ricardo Monreal, Morena’s leader in the senate, announced that Gertz would appear before the upper house to explain the origin of this wealth, following requests from the opposition. Monreal asserted on Twitter that Morena, which holds a legislative majority, considered Gertz’s work to have been “in line with the principle of legality and the rule of law.” A date has yet to be set for this appearance.
- Allegations have also emerged concerning the wealth of Nieto, who resigned as UIF head following a separate scandal surrounding his extravagant Guatemalan wedding last month. Newspaper Reforma reported on an “anonymous complaint” that had allegedly been presented before the attorney general’s office, indicating that Nieto, in his two years as UIF head, accumulated properties and a vehicle valued at M$40m. Nieto tweeted that he had “nothing to hide”, stating he purchased the items on credit and “they increased my debt, not my assets”.
Looking Ahead: As serving attorney general, Gertz has a lot more to lose than Nieto. His upcoming appearance before the senate and the SFP investigation will shed light on his future in the role. If allegations ring true, they will prove to be another blow to López Obrador’s claim that corruption “stopped” when he took office.