Mexican Senator Enrique Inzunza Cázarez, a member of the Morena party, is seeking to become a cooperating witness in the United States.
His lawyers have initiated contact with the U.S. Department of Justice, amid accusations linking him to cartel leaders and former Sinaloa governor Rubén Rocha Moya.
Background
- Position: Inzunza is a Morena senator representing Sinaloa.
- Past Role: He previously served as Secretary General of Government of Sinaloa under Governor Rubén Rocha Moya.
- Accusations: U.S. authorities allege he acted as a liaison between “Los Chapitos,” a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, and Rocha Moya, facilitating communications and agreements.
Legal Strategy
- Objective: Inzunza’s lawyers are negotiating for him to be recognized as a cooperating witness (“testigo cooperante”).
- Process:
- Initial contacts are made through the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, involving agencies like the DEA and FBI.
- Mexican lawyers present the intent to collaborate, while U.S.-registered federal attorneys handle negotiations directly with the Department of Justice.
- A proffer agreement is central: Inzunza would provide substantial, verifiable information in exchange for reduced charges or sentencing benefits.
- Witness Protection: If credible threats exist, Inzunza could also be admitted into the U.S. Witness Protection Program (WITSEC), administered by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Allegations in Detail
- U.S. prosecutors claim Inzunza helped cartel leaders install corrupt officials to protect drug trafficking operations.
- Reports suggest that cartel support was instrumental in Rocha Moya’s successful gubernatorial campaign, with promises of control over the Sinaloa State Police in return.
Inzunza’s Response
- On social media, Inzunza denied all accusations, calling them false and politically motivated.
- He emphasized his 25-year career in the judiciary, including serving as president of the Sinaloa Supreme Court, and pledged to defend his reputation.
This case underscores the intersection of Mexican politics and organized crime, while highlighting the role of international cooperation in dismantling cartel networks. If Inzunza’s testimony is accepted, it could have far-reaching consequences for political figures in Sinaloa and beyond.
Source: El Universal
