The Miguel Hidalgo mayor's office filed a criminal complaint against former Mayor Víctor Hugo Romo and former legal director for alleged corruption and abuse of function, by permitting the demolition of a property without permits. The building located at Moliere 88 was subject to the Agreement on Administrative Facilities for Reconstruction after the 2017 earthquake. The complaint was filed with the Prosecutor's Office for the Investigation of Crimes Committed by Public Servants, where it is stated that both former officials would be responsible for omitting actions to prevent the irregular demolition of the property. Omissions during the 2018-2021 administration According to the complaint, during the 2018-2021 period, the administration headed by Romo ignored a call issued in 2019 by the Reconstruction Commission, which warned that the work had to meet essential requirements such as: Special demolition license Property demolition program Civil liability insurance for damages to third parties Internal civil protection program However, there is no documentary record in the mayor's office archives that proves compliance with these obligations. Simulation of verification and lack of sanctions The complaint also accuses a supposed simulation in the verification of the work. Although a visit order was issued in 2020, it was not executed within the legal period, which caused its expiration and avoided sanctioning the developer responsible for the unlicensed demolition. In addition, it is pointed out that, although the former mayor was notified since October 2019 of the legal requirements for the demolition, the verification visit was not carried out until a year later and the procedure was left without resolution. The agreement did not exempt from permits Current authorities emphasized that the Agreement on Administrative Facilities in effect in 2019 only contemplated tax exemptions, but it did not exempt developers from complying with licenses, permits, and authorizations established in the Construction Regulations. Possible sanctions Based on the Criminal Code of Mexico City, the crime of abuse of function can be punished with sentences of between five and 20 years in prison. If the alleged acts of corruption are proven, the sentence could be increased by up to two thirds.
