Tijuana Mayor Investigated for Alleged Money Laundering and Ties to Cartels
The Attorney General’s Office of the Republic (FGR) is investigating Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, the mayor of Tijuana, Baja California, on suspicion of money laundering and organized crime. The probe centers on allegations that Burgueño Ruiz directed city funds to individuals linked to powerful drug cartels.
The investigation gained momentum on Tuesday when the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO) summoned Burgueño Ruiz to appear regarding case file FED/FEMDO/FIEDMHDARV/BC/0000556/2025, as detailed in summons FEIORPIF AMF-EI-2020/2025. However, the mayor remained in Tijuana and did not comply with the request to appear before federal authorities in Mexico City.
The Tijuana City Council confirmed to THE UNIVERSAL that Burgueño Ruiz is indeed required by the FGR and that he missed Tuesday’s scheduled appointment at FEMDO headquarters.
Expanding Investigation: Dozens of Officials Potentially Involved
According to unofficial sources, the investigation extends beyond Burgueño Ruiz, encompassing approximately 20 other city officials. These individuals are suspected of allegedly favoring businessman Fernando Rafael Salgado Chávez, who the United States government has identified as a key financial operator for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The core accusation is that Burgueño Ruiz directly authorized multi-million dollar contracts from the Tijuana City Council to companies controlled by Salgado Chávez and Marco Antonio Moreno Gómez. Investigations, supported by files from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) within the U.S. Department of the Treasury, suggest Moreno Gómez serves as a critical link between the CJNG and the Los Mayo faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.
This alleged pattern of awarding contracts raises serious concerns about corruption and the potential for cartel influence within the Tijuana municipal government. The FGR’s investigation aims to determine the full extent of the alleged illicit activity and hold those responsible accountable.
