Authorities in the state of Nayarit have announced the recovery of more than 9.6 million square meters of prime beachfront property along the Riviera Nayarit, valued at approximately US$2.7 billion (50 billion pesos). The land had been illegally appropriated from the state and sold off in a scheme linked to former governors, marking one of the largest property restitution cases in Mexico’s recent history.
At a press conference on November 12, Nayarit Attorney General Petronilo Ponce Arellano confirmed that the coordinated effort between the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) and state prosecutors successfully reclaimed the land. Investigators also seized 359 bank accounts connected to the illicit transactions, underscoring the scale of financial corruption involved.
The scandal traces back to the administrations of ex-governors Ney González (2005–2011) and Roberto Sandoval (2011–2017). González remains a fugitive, while Sandoval is currently serving a prison sentence for document falsification. Both have been implicated in orchestrating the fraudulent transfer of state-owned coastal lands to private interests.
The reclaimed properties, located in some of Mexico’s most sought-after tourist destinations, are expected to be reintegrated into public ownership. Officials emphasized that the recovery not only restores valuable assets to the people of Nayarit but also sends a strong message against corruption and abuse of power. “This is a victory for justice and for the citizens who were robbed of their heritage,” Ponce Arellano stated.
Local communities have welcomed the announcement, noting that the Riviera Nayarit coastline is central to the state’s economy and cultural identity. Tourism operators expressed hope that the restitution will pave the way for sustainable development projects that benefit residents rather than private profiteers.
The case highlights Mexico’s broader struggle against corruption, particularly in land management and real estate. Analysts say the successful recovery could set a precedent for similar efforts in other states where public lands have been misappropriated.
As Nayarit moves forward, authorities are expected to continue investigations into the financial networks behind the scheme, ensuring accountability for those involved. For now, the reclaimed beaches stand as a symbol of resilience, offering the promise of renewed trust in public institutions and a brighter future for the state’s coastal communities.
Source: La Jornada
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