Ruben Rocha

Rubén Rocha Moya, Governor of Sinaloa from 2021 until May 2026, has been the subject of significant criminal allegations and controversies. In April 2026, the United States Department of Justice indicted Rocha in the Southern District of New York. Prosecutors allege he conspired with the Sinaloa Cartel’s "Los Chapitos" faction to import narcotics—including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine—in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes and political support. The indictment alleges that cartel members helped him win the 2021 election by kidnapping and intimidating opposition candidates and stealing ballot boxes. He is charged with conspiracy to import drugs, conspiracy to possess machine guns, and weapons-related offenses. In July 2024, cartel leader Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada alleged in a letter that he was abducted while traveling to a meeting with Rocha and local politician Héctor Melesio Cuén, who was murdered that same day. Rocha denied involvement, claiming he was in the United States at the time, though this has not been verified. Following the U.S. indictment, Rocha took a temporary leave of absence on May 2, 2026, losing his official immunity. He remains under investigation by the Mexican Attorney General's Office (FGR), which has summoned him to testify. Rocha denies all accusations, labeling them a political attack. No criminal convictions have been recorded against him to date.