Extradited Navy offficer, accused of fuel-trafficking, arrives from Argentina to Mexico’s top security prison

Rear Admiral Fernando Farías Laguna, accused of leading a fuel-smuggling network, arrived in Mexico from Argentina on Friday and is being held at the Altiplano maximum security prison. The alleged fuel smuggler is set to face an initial arraignment hearing in what promises to be a high-stakes judicial case. Farías, known as "N" in some reports, allegedly ran a criminal network involved in the siphoning off of millions in profits from state oil company Pemex.

He was arrested in Buenos Aires in April after entering Argentina with a fake passport, with two asylum petitions denied and his extradition requests rejected. His brother, former vice admiral Manuel Roberto Farías Laguna, has been incarcerated since September 2025. The two high-ranking Navy officers allegedly ran a corruption network across several customs posts, which was exposed in March 2025, leading to the arrest of 14 suspects, including Manuel Roberto, six months later.

The Farías Laguna brothers are nephews of former Navy Minister Admiral Rafael Ojeda Durán, who died under mysterious circumstances in November 2024 after reporting the scheme to him. Federal authorities say a protected witness, referred to as "Santo," claims the suspects controlled the appointment of subordinates in customs offices and paid them substantial bribes.

If the trial proceeds, Farías's defense team is expected to call on Ojeda, arguing that Farías was merely a subordinate in the corruption network. The defense may also reference allegations linking López Beltrán, son of former President, to the smuggling network. President Claudia Sheinbaum has denied such claims. The defense has also argued that the United States improperly intervened in Farías's expulsion from Argentina.