United States Department of Justice has charged the Governor of Mexico’s Sinaloa state, Ruben Rocha Moya, alongside nine other current and former officials, over alleged links to the Sinaloa Cartel.
According to the U.S. Justice Department, the accused allegedly conspired with leaders of the cartel to facilitate the importation of large quantities of narcotics into the United States in exchange for political support and bribes.
The department also alleged that some of the nine other officials participated in acts of violence connected to the cartel’s operations.
Rocha Moya, a member of Mexico’s ruling Morena party, is considered a close ally of former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and is politically aligned with current President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Analysts say the charges could present a political challenge for President Sheinbaum, as the case places further scrutiny on members of the ruling party.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, while announcing the indictment, said the charges underscored Washington’s commitment to prosecuting public officials involved in drug trafficking.
“Let these charges send a clear message to all officials around the globe who work with narco-traffickers: no matter your title or position, we are committed to bringing you to justice,” Clayton said.
The charges come days after the U.S. ambassador to Mexico pledged stronger action against corruption in the country.
In response, Mexican federal prosecutors said they had opened an investigation into Rocha Moya to determine whether the allegations made by U.S. authorities have sufficient legal basis.
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry confirmed receiving extradition requests from the United States for “various people,” though it did not publicly name the governor.
The ministry, however, criticised the manner in which the charges were publicly announced, saying such matters are typically handled confidentially under bilateral agreements.
It added that Mexico would formally protest to the U.S. government over the public disclosure of the case.
The ministry further stated that Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office would determine whether Rocha Moya and the other suspects would be extradited to the United States.
Rocha Moya has denied all allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
In a statement posted on X, the governor said he “categorically and absolutely” rejected the accusations, insisting they lacked “any truth or foundation whatsoever.”
He also alleged that the indictment formed part of a broader effort to undermine Mexico’s sovereignty and target the political movement known as the Fourth Transformation.
“This attack is not solely against my person, but against the movement of the Fourth Transformation, its emblematic leaderships, and the Mexican women and men who represent that cause,” he said.
