Ruben Rocha

Rubén Rocha Moya, the governor of Sinaloa (2021–2026), faces significant allegations of systemic corruption and ties to organized crime. In April 2026, a U.S. federal grand jury in the Southern District of New York indicted him on charges of narcotics importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and other related crimes. Prosecutors allege he facilitated the Sinaloa Cartel’s operations—specifically the Los Chapitos faction—in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes and electoral assistance, including cartel-led intimidation of political opponents during his 2021 campaign. Rocha Moya has categorically denied these accusations, labeling them a politically motivated attack on Mexican sovereignty. Following the indictment, he requested a temporary leave of absence on May 1, 2026. Shortly thereafter, Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit froze his bank accounts as a preventative measure. Beyond the U.S. charges, Rocha Moya has faced long-standing local controversy, including allegations of nepotism and irregular public contract awards to business networks linked to his family and associates. In July 2024, cartel leader Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada alleged in a letter that he was lured to a meeting with Rocha Moya when he was ambushed and kidnapped. Rocha denied involvement, stating he was in the United States at the time. While federal and local investigations into his administration and the circumstances surrounding Zambada’s capture remain active, no criminal convictions have been entered against him.