Claudia Sheinbaum, speaking on Monday, declared that her administration is currently examining reports regarding an alleged black market for Mexican birth certificates being improperly issued to Cuban nationals in Chiapas.
During her morning press briefing, Sheinbaum noted that the Chiapas State Attorney General's Office, along with the Security Cabinet, is probing the situation following a journalistic investigation. This investigation pointed out that the Mexican Consulate in Houston had issued a warning about potentially fraudulent documents originating from Tapachula.
"The Security Cabinet and specifically the attorney general's office are looking into whether such a case exists," Sheinbaum remarked when questioned by the media. She further clarified that, as of now, there is no evidence of a widespread issue.
The president highlighted that the Chiapas Attorney General's Office is examining whether any public officials were involved in potential corruption linked to the Civil Registry offices.
"This is not a case we are currently aware of," she emphasized.
The inquiry raised during the press conference suggested that the alert involved the alleged unlawful issuance of birth certificates to Cuban citizens—documents that might have been used for various official procedures.
Within the same session, Sheinbaum also addressed queries about the Mexican Ambassador to Honduras, Martha Susana Peón Sánchez, concerning her nationality. The president affirmed that the ambassador "meets all legal requirements" and indicated that further details could be provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The federal government has stated that the Security Cabinet will persist in reviewing the case alongside state authorities to ascertain if there are any administrative or criminal liabilities.
This topic adds to a January investigation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which disclosed a network purportedly involved in the unauthorized issuance of Mexican birth certificates, reportedly used by Cuban nationals for consular processes in the United States.
Initial alerts were raised in Houston, where between January 15 and 21, the consulate identified several applications from individuals claiming to be Mexican. Upon interview, these applicants admitted to being born in Cuba, lacking any legal or familial ties to Mexico.
The applicants confessed to acquiring fake documents through intermediaries. These birth certificates, allegedly issued by the Tapachula Civil Registry in Chiapas, appeared in official systems and featured certified Unique Population Registry Codes but displayed discrepancies, such as missing marginal notes and birth certificate numbers.
Subsequent investigations revealed similar cases with documents supposedly issued in other states like Aguascalientes, Nayarit, and Puebla, suggesting a broader scheme.
Initial investigations pinpointed potential hotspots in the Chiapas municipalities of Tapachula, Motozintla, and Comitán. In response, the Chiapas State Attorney General confirmed that an internal audit by the Civil Registry's Control Body uncovered irregularities, leading to a formal complaint filed on January 12.
As a result, three employees were identified and detained, charged with abuse of authority, criminal association, and unlawful access to computer systems.
Federal authorities have indicated that the case remains open, with the possibility of further arrests and expanded investigations into other states, given the context of illegal avenues being used to obtain documents for immigration purposes.
Investigation into Fraudulent Birth Certificates in Chiapas
What prompted the investigation into illegal birth certificates in Chiapas?
The investigation was prompted by a journalistic report and an alert from the Mexican Consulate in Houston about potentially fraudulent birth certificates being issued in Tapachula, Chiapas.
What actions have been taken against those involved in the fraud?
Three employees have been detained and charged with abuse of authority, criminal association, and unlawful access to computer systems, following an internal audit that revealed irregularities.
Are there indications of broader illegal activities beyond Chiapas?
Yes, subsequent investigations have identified similar fraudulent documents in states like Aguascalientes, Nayarit, and Puebla, suggesting a wider network.
How are federal and state authorities collaborating on this issue?
The federal government, through the Security Cabinet, is working with state authorities to determine any administrative or criminal responsibilities connected to the case.