President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed that the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) has preventively frozen the bank accounts of Rubén Rocha Moya, the governor with leave from Sinaloa. The measure also extends to other individuals named in extradition requests issued by the United States.
The president clarified that these actions do not stem from a formal UIF investigation. Instead, the freeze was implemented as a preventive measure because Mexican banks maintain active relationships with financial entities in the United States.
Sovereignty and International Cooperation
Addressing the broader context of the Sinaloa case and the relationship with the U.S., President Sheinbaum emphasized that collaboration must be based on respect for national sovereignty. She warned that the limits of such cooperation must be clearly understood.
“In Mexico, Mexican institutions are responsible for combating organized crime. They can help us by providing information, but above all, by addressing the high consumption of drugs there and the trafficking of weapons from the United States to Mexico,” Sheinbaum stated.
UIF Confirms Blocked Status
In an official statement, the UIF confirmed the actions against Rocha Moya and others allegedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel by U.S. Authorities. The agency noted that these individuals were added to the “Lista de Personas Bloqueadas” (Blocked Persons List).
According to the UIF, the additions were strictly preventive and resulted from alerts triggered by Mexican financial institutions following publicly disclosed allegations from U.S. Authorities.
Potential Legal Developments
The UIF stated that individuals on the blocked list retain their legal rights to a hearing and defense. Which means those affected may seek administrative or jurisdictional remedies to challenge the freeze.
the FGR’s ongoing file—which also examines reported irregularities during the 2021 electoral process in Sinaloa—could lead to further legal proceedings. Future developments may depend on the evidence integrated into these domestic inquiries and the progression of U.S. Extradition requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Rubén Rocha Moya’s accounts frozen?
The accounts were frozen preventively by the UIF following reports from Mexican financial institutions, which were triggered by public allegations made by United States authorities regarding links to the Sinaloa Cartel.
Is the UIF conducting a formal investigation into this case?
President Claudia Sheinbaum specified that there is no UIF investigation; the freeze is a preventive measure due to the relationship between Mexican and U.S. Financial entities.
What other cases are linked to the investigation of Rocha Moya?
The FGR is integrating an expediente that includes the kidnapping of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, the homicide of former UAS rector Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda, and irregularities in the 2021 electoral process in Sinaloa.
How should nations balance international security cooperation with the protection of national sovereignty?
