On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Mexican federal authorities uncovered a clandestine mini-refinery operating illegally in the industrial zone of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz. The facility was discovered through intelligence work and aerial reconnaissance conducted by the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), in coordination with the Mexican Army, Navy, National Guard, and Pemex’s intelligence unit.
The illegal operation was reportedly producing artisanal diesel, light naphtha, solvents, and treated oils without any official permits. Authorities seized over 500,000 liters of crude oil and dismantled the infrastructure used for refining and distributing the illicit fuel.
The refinery was located near the Nuevo Teapa-Coatzacoalcos highway, close to the petrochemical complex La Cangrejera. Officials emphasized that the operation posed serious environmental risks due to its proximity to sensitive ecosystems and lack of safety protocols.
The discovery has sparked political and public debate. Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle praised the federal intervention, calling it a “major achievement” in the fight against fuel theft, commonly known in Mexico as huachicol. However, local lawmakers questioned how such a large-scale operation could have gone unnoticed, suggesting possible complicity or negligence by local authorities.
This incident has reignited concerns about the persistence of fuel theft networks in Mexico, despite previous government claims that the issue had been largely eradicated. It also highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating and monitoring the country’s vast petroleum infrastructure.
As investigations continue, authorities have not yet confirmed any arrests. The case underscores the need for stronger oversight and transparency in Mexico’s energy sector, particularly in regions like Coatzacoalcos, which play a central role in the nation’s petrochemical industry.
Source: OEM
