Four former officials of the former governor of Michoacán, Silvano Aureoles, were arrested for alleged embezzlement. The detainees are Carlos Maldonado Mendoza, former Secretary of Finance; Mario Delgado Murillo, former Finance Delegate of the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP); Elizabeth Villegas Pineda, former administrative delegate of the SSP; and Juan Antonio Bustamante, former Secretary of Public Security of Michoacán.
According to the Federal Detention Registry, Carlos Maldonado Mendoza was arrested at Terminal 2 of the Mexico City International Airport. Elizabeth Villegas Pineda was captured in the Praderas colony of Morelia, Michoacán, and taken before a Federal Judge. Mario Delgado Murillo was arrested in the Vista Bella colony, also in Morelia, and was transferred to the offices of the Attorney General of the state. Juan Antonio Bustamante, former Secretary of Public Security, was reportedly arrested in Mexico City.
Reports indicate that there is an arrest warrant against Silvano Aureoles, accused of misappropriation of funds and money laundering. For now, four of his former secretaries have been arrested. The arrest warrants were requested by the Attorney General's Office as part of a federal investigation.
The arrest of at least four former officials from Aureoles' administration has been confirmed: Carlos Maldonado Mendoza, Antonio Bernal Bustamante, Mario Delgado Murillo, and Elizabeth Villegas Pineda. These detainees held important positions in the Michoacán government.
The investigation suggests that Silvano Aureoles may have diverted federal funds for a considerable sum and may be involved in fraud related to the construction and leasing of barracks for the State Police during his term. Aureoles is also accused of mismanagement of public funds.
The former governor, who attempted to run for the presidency of Mexico in 2023, has been accused of embezzlement, fraudulent management, and criminal association. Despite the accusations against him, he has so far evaded authorities, remaining a fugitive from justice.
