Operation UAQ: Gilberto Herrera investigated for embezzlement of 320 million

A dozen former officials from the Autonomous University of Querétaro (UAQ), who were part of the 2012-2018 administration led by current Morena federal deputy Gilberto Herrera Ruiz, are under investigation for the alleged embezzlement of more than 320 million pesos (over 705 million pounds), funds originally allocated to academic projects.

The Attorney General's Office (FGR), through the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Combating Corruption (FEMCC) and the Money Laundering Crimes Prosecutor's Office, has opened multiple case files for a scheme that replicates the well-known "Estafa Maestra", with simulated agreements and non-existent services.

Internal complaint exposed the fraud

It was UAQ's former comptroller, José Alejandro Ramírez Reséndiz, who filed the formal complaint on December 2, 2020, under file number FED/FECC/FECCQRO/0000765/2020. The former official supported his complaint with an external audit report documenting serious irregularities in the use of federal funds.

These resources, mainly from Conacyt programs, were supposed to be used for scientific and academic projects. However, agreements were signed with companies and institutions that did not provide any real service. Despite this, payments were made without any trace in the university's official reports.

Former officials summoned to testify

Sources from the FEMCC confirmed that there are at least ten investigation files against former officials who held key positions during Herrera Ruiz's administration. It is expected that in the coming days they will begin to testify before federal authorities.

Given the seriousness of the case, the National Action Party (PAN) has demanded the immediate removal of the deputy's immunity, arguing that he can't remain protected by immunity while facing corruption charges related to public funds intended for education.

Morena closes ranks and downplays the scandal

The current UAQ former rector, Teresa García Gasca, has come out in defense of Herrera Ruiz, denying any direct links between the legislator and the embezzlement. She stated that the irregularities occurred "at lower levels" of the university administration.

However, the documents presented by Ramírez Reséndiz, as well as the scale of the alleged fraud, reinforce the perception that this was a case of structural corruption, where the university leadership could not have been unaware.

"Universities can't continue to be a refuge for clientelist networks financed with public money," stated a PAN state leader.

This scandal adds to other cases involving officials close to Morena and highlights a troubling continuity of practices that the current regime supposedly promised to eradicate.