Omar García Harfuch Leads Dismantling of Hydrocarbon Theft Network Seizing 2 Million Liters, 12 Properties, Arresting 32

Mexican authorities led by Omar García Harfuch, head of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), have dismantled a major criminal network dedicated to the theft and illegal commercialization of hydrocarbons, commonly known as huachicol. The operation targeted the central region of Mexico, including Mexico City (CDMX), the State of Mexico (Edomex), Querétaro, Hidalgo, and Coahuila. After more than six months of intelligence work and investigation, 32 individuals were arrested, including key leaders such as Cirio Sergio Rebollo Mendoza, alias “Don Checo.” Authorities seized approximately 2 million liters of stolen fuel, 20 tanker trucks, seven fuel pumps, various vehicles including armored and luxury cars, and 12 properties used as criminal operation centers. Additionally, the operation confiscated 16 million pesos in cash, firearms, ammunition, and exotic animals such as a lion cub, jaguar, ponies, horses, and spider monkeys.

The criminal group was reported to have been perforating Pemex pipelines to extract gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LP gas), storing the stolen fuel in warehouses before distribution. This dismantling is considered a historic blow to huachicol activities in the region. The operation involved coordination between the SSPC, the Federal Attorney General's Office (FGR), Pemex Logistics, and the Mexican Armed Forces. Investigations are ongoing, including inquiries into possible protection of the group by authorities at various government levels.