Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Accused Mexican Governor Returns, Denying Sinaloa Cartel Ties
Rubén Rocha Moya is the governor of the Mexican state of Sinaloa.
He temporarily left his job in May but has now returned.
U.S. prosecutors accuse him of working with a powerful drug cartel.
They say cartel members helped him win his election by threatening or kidnapping opponents.
Prosecutors also say he promised to protect the cartel’s drug activities.
Rocha Moya says these claims are false.
He says he cooperated with investigators and that no wrongdoing has been proven.
He plans to remain governor until his term ends next year.
Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya returned to office after taking a temporary leave in May.
U.S. prosecutors accused Rocha Moya of conspiring with Sinaloa Cartel leaders to traffic drugs.
The indictment alleges cartel members helped elect him by kidnapping and intimidating rivals.
Prosecutors say Rocha Moya offered the cartel protection for distributing drugs into the United States.
Rocha Moya denied the accusations, calling them fabricated and politically motivated, and pledged to complete his term.
- Who
- Rubén Rocha Moya, governor of Sinaloa, and U.S. prosecutors accusing him of cartel ties.
- What
- Rocha Moya returned to his post and denied allegations that he conspired with the Sinaloa Cartel.
- When
- He announced his return after taking a temporary leave in May; prosecutors sought his arrest in April.
- Where
- Sinaloa, Mexico; the U.S. indictment was filed in New York.
- Why
- Rocha Moya said he is innocent and wants to finish his term, while U.S. prosecutors allege he helped the cartel obtain political influence and protection for drug trafficking.
Rocha Moya’s Defense
U.S. Prosecutors’ Allegations
Whether he worked with the cartel
Rocha Moya’s Defense
Rocha Moya says he is innocent and has no involvement in what he calls fabricated accusations.
U.S. Prosecutors’ Allegations
U.S. prosecutors allege he worked with leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Evidence and investigation
Rocha Moya’s Defense
Rocha Moya said he cooperated with investigators, did not invoke his immunity protections, and that no evidence of wrongdoing has emerged.
U.S. Prosecutors’ Allegations
Prosecutors sought his arrest and eventual extradition and presented allegations in an unsealed indictment.
Political motivation
Rocha Moya’s Defense
Rocha Moya described the accusations as politically and interventionist motivated, while Claudia Sheinbaum said clear evidence would be needed to justify his detention.
U.S. Prosecutors’ Allegations
The U.S. allegations say cartel members helped Rocha Moya get elected by kidnapping and intimidating rivals, after which he allegedly offered them protection to distribute drugs in the United States.
- Official
- Rubén Rocha Moya, governor of Sinaloa
- Allegation
- U.S. prosecutors accuse him of conspiring with Sinaloa Cartel leaders.
- Indictment location
- New York
- Leave of absence
- Rocha Moya took temporary leave in May.
- Return statement
- He said he returned with his head held high and denied involvement in the alleged scheme.
- Political affiliation
- Morena party
- Term
- Rocha Moya pledged to serve through next year.