Authorities capture alleged fuel-network operator

Reporting and context

Authorities capture alleged fuel-smuggling network operator in Zapopan

Mexico’s Navy announced the arrest of retired officer Miguel Ángel Solano Ruiz, known as “Capitán Sol” or “Mike,” in Zapopan, Jalisco, El País México reported. Authorities had been searching for him for more than 300 days in connection with an alleged fuel-smuggling network associated with the Farías Laguna brothers.

According to a protected witness identified as “Santo,” Solano’s alleged role was to recruit active and retired Navy personnel and use institutional contacts to place associates in key maritime customs posts, including Tampico, Altamira, Ensenada and Guaymas. The report said the FGR investigated alleged coordination with the Farías Laguna brothers to influence officials at the National Customs Agency and the Navy through calls, alleged corruption and payments.

El País reported that the FGR, Navy and Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection described Solano as the last outstanding alleged member of the organization known as “Los Primos.” Authorities arrested him during a search of a property in Zapopan and transferred him to Mexico City for a judge to determine his legal status.

The report said Solano retired in 2018 with a monthly salary of 18,000 pesos. Investigators allegedly found that he spent more than 52 million pesos, about $2.5 million, on gambling; casinos and racetracks reportedly sent 400 notices about him to authorities. It also reported eight properties in Veracruz and Mexico City worth more than 13 million pesos.

The allegations remain attributed to the cited witness, authorities and El País México; the arrest does not establish guilt.