Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office Seeks to Locate Criminal Leader Accusing Mexican President of Organized Crime Ties

February 19, 2024

Ian Hayden Parker

Cartels, Crime, Politics

Home » Mexico News » Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office Seeks to Locate Criminal Leader Accusing Mexican President of Organized Crime Ties

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The Attorney General's Office (FGR) of Mexico has announced an active search for Celso Ortega, a purported leader of the criminal organization known as "Los Ardillos," who has made serious allegations against President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Ortega accused the president of having received financial support…

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The Attorney General's Office (FGR) of Mexico has announced an active search for Celso Ortega, a purported leader of the criminal organization known as "Los Ardillos," who has made serious allegations against President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Ortega accused the president of having received financial support from organized crime to fund his 2006 political campaign.

The FGR's statement highlighted that in response to the accusations made public, a specific investigation has been opened to locate Celso "O" to verify and, if necessary, corroborate the claims he made to the media regarding the president's alleged ties to organized crime.

The controversy reached a peak during President López Obrador's morning conference on Friday, February 16, where he vehemently refuted Ortega's allegations. He questioned the validity of the accusations and the absence of concrete evidence. The president also criticized the manner in which the accusations were presented, particularly focusing on the anonymity and dramatic narrative suggested by the accuser's conditions.

In a bid to address these accusations transparently, the FGR has called upon Celso Ortega to provide all pertinent information and evidence that could substantiate his claims against President López Obrador. The request emphasizes the urgency and importance of presenting credible evidence to support the serious allegations made.

This development has stirred significant public interest and discussion regarding the integrity of political figures and the influence of organized crime in Mexican politics. The FGR's investigation into these allegations represents a critical step in addressing concerns about corruption and the entanglement of criminal organizations with political campaigns.

As the situation unfolds, the Mexican public and international observers await further developments. The outcome of this investigation could have profound implications for political accountability and the ongoing battle against organized crime in Mexico.

CONTINUE READING

Trending News on PVDN

Third gentrification march in Mexico City today Groups and residents join the third gentrification march Mexico City on July 26, from Hemiciclo a Benito Juárez to the U.S. Embassy along Paseo de la Reforma.
Malecón Sales Slump Worries Puerto Vallarta Merchants Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón merchants face a Malecón sales slump as summer tourists hold back, even with hotel occupancy set to reach 75–80 percent on weekends.
American Tourist Found Dead at Puerto Vallarta Waterfall American found dead at Puerto Vallarta waterfall after disappearing near El Salto. Search teams recovered his body the next day following a challenging rescue mission.
Puerto Vallarta Shaken by Second Earthquake in 24 Hours as Jalisco Records Series of Tremors Puerto Vallarta earthquake registered Monday morning as the second tremor in 24 hours. Jalisco Civil Protection reports eight quakes across the state with no damage.
Guanajuato Hotels Face Economic Crisis as Closures Mount Eight hotels have shuttered in Guanajuato’s capital amid low occupancy and rising costs, prompting lawmakers to seek urgent reforms to revive the tourism industry.
Puerto Vallarta Safety Returns to Top Five Cities Puerto Vallarta safety rose back into the top five safest cities in Mexico with a 27.3% perceived insecurity rate in June 2025, rebounding from earlier declines.
Gentrification and Retirement in Mexico: Are Foreigners Part of the Problem? Are foreign retirees fueling gentrification in Mexico? Explore the real estate impact, displacement, and cultural tensions in CDMX, Vallarta, and San Miguel.
Aguascalientes authorities dismantle organized crime camp in Rincón de Romos Security forces in Aguascalientes dismantled an organized crime camp in Rincón de Romos, arresting 18 suspects and seizing weapons and tactical gear.
Cablebús Line 4 in Mexico City will be the world’s longest urban cable car Cablebús Line 4 in Mexico City will be the world’s longest urban cable car at 11.4 km, connecting 39 neighborhoods and cutting commute times by nearly half.
Puerto Vallarta Malecón Expansion Improves Access and Flow The Puerto Vallarta Malecón expansion extends the iconic promenade to Venezuela Street, adding accessible sidewalks, seating and improved flow for visitors and residents.