People posing in different situations, one with a hat and light suit, and another speaking into a microphone next to a woman. — Agustín Toledano and Jesús Corona | La Derecha Diario

Camara — Agustín Toledano and Jesús Corona | La Derecha Diario

Morena Mayors in Morelos Caught in Meeting With Sinaloa Cartel Leader

Jesús Corona Damián and Agustín Toledano Amaro were recorded with 'El Barbas,' generating controversy over possible links to organized crime.

20/02/2025 01:21:00h

Editorial Team

A video that has caused a stir in public opinion shows the municipal presidents of Cuautla and Atlatlahucan, Jesús Corona Damián and Agustín Toledano Amaro. Both were captured in a meeting with Júpiter Araújo Bernard, alias "El Barbas". This individual has been identified as a leader of a Sinaloa Cartel cell in the eastern region of Morelos.

The recording exposes the Morena mayors in a meeting with this alleged criminal leader. The revelation has unleashed a wave of criticism and suspicions about the possible links between officials of the ruling party and organized crime.

Two men in different settings, one smiling outdoors and the other waving with papers in hand.

Both presidents face public pressure for alleged links to organized crime | La Derecha Diario

A concerning pattern in Morena

This incident is not an isolated case. It adds to a series of previous allegations linking Morena members with illicit activities.

Although the party insists on its anti-corruption discourse, the reality is different. More and more Morena officials are getting involved in scandals of this type, which casts doubt on their commitment to legality.

The Morelos Prosecutor's Office has announced an investigation to clarify the nature of this meeting. It also seeks to determine if there is a formal relationship between the municipal officials and the criminal leader. However, given the lack of results in similar cases, the public doubts that there will be real consequences.

Two people conversing with serious expressions in an outdoor setting.

Edgar Maldonado, Morelos's prosecutor, stated that the agency under his charge will intervene if a complaint related to common jurisdiction crimes is filed. | La Derecha Diario

Divisions and scandals in Morena

The ruling party not only faces serious accusations of links with organized crime. It also goes through strong internal tensions due to the affiliation of individuals with questionable backgrounds. This has caused discontent even within its own ranks.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his successor, Claudia Sheinbaum, have tried to downplay these scandals. However, the reality is that Morena is increasingly being pointed out for its permissiveness toward illegal conduct within its government structures.

A smiling man in a white jersey giving two thumbs up.

Jesús Corona Damián, municipal president of Cuautla | La Derecha Diario

Collusion and security crisis

This case is just another example of the collusion between Morena and organized crime. The problem has reached alarming levels within Mexican politics.

The growing violence in the country is proof of the neglect of security that marked López Obrador's term. Judging by recent events, it seems that this crisis will continue under Claudia Sheinbaum's mandate.

With the 2024 elections on the horizon, these scandals could impact the electorate's perception. Will the public allow Morena to continue operating with total impunity?

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