Latest news with #Sinaloa
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Autonomous University of Sinaloa (UAS) and Pacifico Mexinol initiate study to assess the economic impact of the project in northern Sinaloa
The studies aim, among other things, to estimate the direct and indirect economic effects of the investment in terms of employment, income, added value, and social well-being; identify regional development opportunities; and propose strategies to ensure the project's sustainability and its harmonious integration with the local socioeconomic environment. The Autonomous University of Sinaloa (UAS), through the Research and Graduate Studies Directorate, the Technology Transfer Office, and the School of Economic and Social Sciences, led by Dr. Luis Armando Becerra Pérez, an economist with extensive experience in renewable energy and sustainable development, will be in charge of this phase of the project. LOS MOCHIS, Sinaloa, Mexico, July 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of an ongoing joint effort between the academic and commercial sectors, stemming from a Collaboration Agreement between the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (UAS) and Pacifico Mexinol (a subsidiary of Transition Industries) signed in 2024, this new phase of the project will continue to transparently document and study the economic effects of the world's largest ultra-low-carbon methanol plant, located near Topolobampo, Ahome, Sinaloa. The Pacifico Mexinol project is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals by promoting the use of clean energy, the utilization of treated wastewater, and climate change mitigation. It also protects local ecosystems and is expected to generate thousands of jobs, driving the region's economic development. "Transparency of information is one of our core values. This project not only furthers our commitment to partnering with higher education institutions in the state to support research, training, and development programs, but will also provide much-needed data on the true economic development benefits for Sinaloa provided by Pacífico Mexinol." Karin Nunan, Head of Corporate Affairs, Transition Industries. This study seeks to quantify the economic impacts of the Pacifico Mexinol project, as well as generate transparent and useful information for decision-making that benefits nearby communities. By identifying local development opportunities, social needs, and potential risks, the analysis will contribute to the design of strategies that promote the harmonious integration of the project with its surroundings under Pacifico Mexinol's Good Neighbor Program and the Project's IFC-aligned Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for economic inclusion, community participation, and respect for the rights of local populations. Overall, the study represents a key tool for ensuring that industrial development translates into shared well-being and equitable growth. "Based on the Institutional Development Plan With a Vision for the Future 2029, the National Development Plan, and President Sheinbaum's Mexico Plan, the Autonomous University of Sinaloa is firmly committed to strategic engagement for local, national, regional, and global development, helping to integrate and strengthen, together with the commercial sector, a more just, equitable, sustainable, productive, and humanistic Mexico, and thus generate synergies with society to maximize this development hub presented by our President and Pacífico Mexinol." Dr. Jesús Madueña Molina, Rector. The analysis will be developed through a combination of three complementary approaches: 1) Structural econometrics, to model causal relationships between key economic variables, 2) Machine learning, to detect complex patterns in large volumes of data and simulate future scenarios, and 3) Input-output matrices, to estimate the multiplier effects of the project on the regional economy. Given that economic simulators only exist at the national level in Mexico, collaboration will be sought with the National Institute of Statistics, Geography, and Informatics (INEGI) to adapt models and parameters to the local context, thus increasing the accuracy of the estimates. Dr. Luis Armando Becerra Pérez holds a PhD in Economics from the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), with a postdoctoral degree in Renewable Energy and Sustainability. He holds a Master's degree in Economics from UNAM and a Bachelor's degree in Economics from UAS. He is currently a full-time professor and researcher at the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences at UAS, and a member of the National System of Researchers (SNI) Level II. His research focuses on bioenergy, environmental economics, and sustainable development, with notable publications in national and international journals. He has held academic residencies at international universities such as Yale and Harvard, as well as at institutions in Canada, Colombia, and Brazil, and has been recognized with the Sinaloa State Journalism Award. About the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (UAS) The Autonomous University of Sinaloa (the third largest of the State Public Universities nationwide) comprises an academic, scientific, technological, athletic, and cultural space where diverse expressions of universal thought coexist harmoniously. The cultivation of science, technology, and the humanities translates into increasingly vigorous academic activities. Through the General Directorate of Research and Graduate Studies and the Technology Transfer Office attached to this directorate, the UAS seeks to protect inventions generated at the UAS and promote the transfer of knowledge that contributes to the economic development of the region, the country, and the world. For more information, please email ott@ About Transition Industries Transition Industries LLC, based in Houston, Texas, develops global-scale, net-zero carbon methanol and green hydrogen projects in North America to address climate change and promote environmental and social sustainability. For more information about Pacífico Mexinol or Transition Industries, please email inquiries@ View source version on Contacts Karin NunanGlobal Head of Corporate Affairsknunan@
Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Sky News AU
Court grants final extension in trial over killings of Aussie surfers Callum and Jake Robinson amid claims of cartel ties and confusion within prosecution
The trial over the brutal killings of Australian siblings Callum and Jake Robinson has been pushed back yet again, after lawyers for the accused requested more time to work on potential plea agreements with prosecutors. The latest development came during a court session in Mexico, where Judge Oscar Padilla approved the delay until a newly scheduled hearing on November 13 but made it clear this would be the final extension granted. He issued a stern warning to all legal teams, stating they would face financial penalties if they turned up unprepared next time. Three of the accused - Jesús Gerardo, Irineo Francisco, and Ángel Jesús, are facing a long list of serious charges, including aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery, and grand theft auto, linked to the deaths of the Robinson brothers and their American companion, Carter Rhoad. A fourth suspect, Ari Gisell, is not accused of murder but is facing charges related to inciting violent robbery. Her lawyer led the request for the delay, arguing they needed more time to discuss sentencing options with the prosecution. None of the four accused have entered formal pleas at this stage. Reported by ABC, court documents and reports presented during proceedings highlighted links between some of the accused and the notorious Sinaloa cartel - a group known for its bloody reign and once headed by infamous drug lord El Chapo. The cartel connection has drawn international attention, especially after revelations that two of the suspects, Gerardo and Francisco, were moved to a maximum-security facility amid rising concern over their alleged ties to organised crime. Last week's hearing had been delayed, determining whether Gerardo's forced disappearance charge could be rolled into the broader indictment. That charge remains a point of contention between prosecutors. In a rare public disagreement, the lead prosecutor in the homicide case told the court he did not agree with his colleague's theory that the victims had been kidnapped before being killed, casting doubt on the consistency of the state's position. The judge openly voiced his frustration over the disarray, saying he expected greater clarity from the prosecution ahead of the next hearing. The alleged victims, Jake and Callum Robinson and their friend Carter Rhoad, vanished during a surfing and camping trip through north-western Mexico in April last year. Their bodies were later found in a remote area. Jake, a 31-year-old doctor, had travelled from Perth to visit his brother Callum (32), who was based in California playing professional lacrosse. The trio had headed south to explore the rugged Mexican coastline in search of waves. According to court documents, Jesús Gerardo is described as displaying 'high criminal capacity, aggressiveness and emotional detachment'. Despite initial denials from local authorities regarding cartel involvement, the transfer of the accused to the high security El Hongo prison and details emerging from court have raised further questions about the true nature of the crime.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Violence in Mexican state of Sinaloa continues one year after 'El Mayo' Zambada's arrest in US
Culiacan, Mexico (Reuters) -The street vendor said the few tourists who still visit Culiacan no longer look for posters of drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and accused drug kingpin Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, once the Mexican city's most famous residents. The posters, which for years were in high demand, have become symbolic of a spike in horrific violence sparked by an alleged betrayal that led to Zambada's arrest one year ago and fueled fighting within the Sinaloa cartel. "I imagine that at some point in my life, tourism will return to Culiacan," said Jazmin, who now sells a smattering of magnets, keychains, and mugs. She declined to share her last name because of the constant threat of violence in this once-bustling city of 1 million people. Friday marks one year since Zambada, one of Mexico's most infamous accused drug lords, was arrested at an airfield near El Paso, Texas, along with one of El Chapo's sons, Joaquin Guzman Lopez. Zambada says El Chapo's son, Joaquin, kidnapped him and turned him over to U.S. agents. The alleged betrayal was shocking. Prosecutors allege Zambada and "El Chapo" founded the Sinaloa cartel and represented different factions of the criminal organization. The arrests sparked a break in the group and triggered a wave of violence that continues. During the first six months of this year, authorities registered 883 homicides in Sinaloa compared to 224 during the same period a year earlier. The vast majority happened in Culiacan. The homicides may be just the beginning. Authorities say more than 1,500 people have gone missing in Sinaloa since September 2024, after Zambada's arrest. Security officials say criminal groups were involved in many of the disappearances. "Life in Culiacan is no longer the same," said a local official who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals. "There are no more parties here due to fear," he said, adding that schools prefer to hold classes online instead of in person. Security analysts say violence in the state is at the highest level since the last major split between criminal groups in 2008, when the Sinaloa cartel broke an alliance with the Beltran Leyva brothers' cartel. "It's one thing to break a pact through betrayal, as happened then, and another to hand over an important partner, as happened last year," said Tomas Guevara, an expert on security issues in Sinaloa, referring to Zambada's alleged abduction. "The situation is more gruesome these days,' he added. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has struggled to control the spiraling violence, sending thousands of heavily armed soldiers to Sinaloa to patrol the area, along with helicopters, armored vehicles, high-caliber weapons, and drones. Still, the discovery of corpses continues, sometimes piled up by the dozens. Bodies have been hung from bridges and mutilated with messages of revenge between rival groups. U.S. President Donald Trump said last week that Mexican authorities are "petrified" of the drug cartels and alleged they have enormous control in the country and over Mexican politicians. Sheinbaum said those allegations are blatantly untrue. Mexican Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said on Sunday during a visit to Sinaloa that the government's priority is "restoring peace to families." Zambada said in February he was willing to plead guilty to charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and weapons possession if U.S. prosecutors take the death penalty off the table.
Reuters
4 days ago
- Reuters
Violence in Mexican state of Sinaloa continues one year after 'El Mayo' Zambada's arrest in US
Culiacan, Mexico July 25 (Reuters) - The street vendor said the few tourists who still visit Culiacan no longer look for posters of drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and accused drug kingpin Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, once the Mexican city's most famous residents. The posters, which for years were in high demand, have become symbolic of a spike in horrific violence sparked by an alleged betrayal that led to Zambada's arrest one year ago and fueled fighting within the Sinaloa cartel. "I imagine that at some point in my life, tourism will return to Culiacan," said Jazmin, who now sells a smattering of magnets, keychains, and mugs. She declined to share her last name because of the constant threat of violence in this once-bustling city of 1 million people. Friday marks one year since Zambada, one of Mexico's most infamous accused drug lords, was arrested at an airfield near El Paso, Texas, along with one of El Chapo's sons, Joaquin Guzman Lopez. Zambada says El Chapo's son, Joaquin, kidnapped him and turned him over to U.S. agents. The alleged betrayal was shocking. Prosecutors allege Zambada and "El Chapo" founded the Sinaloa cartel and represented different factions of the criminal organization. The arrests sparked a break in the group and triggered a wave of violence that continues. During the first six months of this year, authorities registered 883 homicides in Sinaloa compared to 224 during the same period a year earlier. The vast majority happened in Culiacan. The homicides may be just the beginning. Authorities say more than 1,500 people have gone missing in Sinaloa since September 2024, after Zambada's arrest. Security officials say criminal groups were involved in many of the disappearances. "Life in Culiacan is no longer the same," said a local official who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals. "There are no more parties here due to fear," he said, adding that schools prefer to hold classes online instead of in person. Security analysts say violence in the state is at the highest level since the last major split between criminal groups in 2008, when the Sinaloa cartel broke an alliance with the Beltran Leyva brothers' cartel. "It's one thing to break a pact through betrayal, as happened then, and another to hand over an important partner, as happened last year," said Tomas Guevara, an expert on security issues in Sinaloa, referring to Zambada's alleged abduction. "The situation is more gruesome these days,' he added. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has struggled to control the spiraling violence, sending thousands of heavily armed soldiers to Sinaloa to patrol the area, along with helicopters, armored vehicles, high-caliber weapons, and drones. Still, the discovery of corpses continues, sometimes piled up by the dozens. Bodies have been hung from bridges and mutilated with messages of revenge between rival groups. U.S. President Donald Trump said last week that Mexican authorities are "petrified" of the drug cartels and alleged they have enormous control in the country and over Mexican politicians. Sheinbaum said those allegations are blatantly untrue. Mexican Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said on Sunday during a visit to Sinaloa that the government's priority is "restoring peace to families." Zambada said in February he was willing to plead guilty to charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and weapons possession if U.S. prosecutors take the death penalty off the table.
ABC News
20-07-2025
- ABC News
Mexico's brutal Sinaloa cartel is at war with itself as El Chapo's son strikes a deal with the US
For more than a year, Mexican authorities said there was no reason to think criminal cartels were linked to the shooting deaths of Australian surfers Jake and Callum Robinson. Expert observers had immediate doubts. The brothers were shot in the head, and their car and campsite were torched, in an area rife with cartel violence. But the cartel link wasn't clear until a court document revealed a local prison boss had later raised concerns about two inmates. They were then moved to a higher security jail because of "their affiliation with criminal groups linked to the Sinaloa cartel". Some parts of the document were redacted, but the ABC this week confirmed those inmates were Jesús Gerardo and Irineo Francisco — two of the four people accused of the Robinson brothers' murders. (Their surnames are withheld.) As these details were coming to light, the Sinaloa cartel was coming under new scrutiny in the US. The youngest son of "El Chapo", the Mexican crime lord who once led the cartel, has just made a deal with American prosecutors, almost two years after being extradited to Chicago. Ovidio Guzmán López, or "El Ratón", had inherited control of parts of the cartel when his father was jailed for life in the US in 2019. With his three older brothers, he led "Los Chapitos" — described as a "powerful, hyperviolent faction of the Sinaloa cartel at the forefront of fentanyl trafficking" by the US government. Under the plea deal, El Ratón admitted to drug-trafficking and other crimes, and forfeited up to $US80 million in assets. He also agreed to spill the secrets of the Sinaloa cartel — and likely the corrupt officials protecting it — to help US law enforcement bring it down. The earliest iteration of the Sinaloa cartel sprung up in the 1960s in the north-western Mexican state of Sinaloa. It is now considered the dominant cartel along much of the west coast. The US government says it makes billions by flooding American streets with fentanyl and other drugs. And it is increasingly targeting Australia's lucrative methamphetamine and cocaine markets with the help of outlaw motorcycle gangs, authorities believe. But it is also "heavily diversified" beyond drug-trafficking, says Nathan Jones, an expert on Mexico's cartels from Sam Houston State University in Texas. "One of the big umbrella crimes is extortion — extorting local businesses, taking over local markets," he says. "The avocado industry, the seafood industry, illegal water sales in drought-stricken northern regions … they're touching everything." Corruption in government and law enforcement has helped the cartel spread its reach. But in recent years, its status as Mexico's biggest and most powerful has been challenged by the rise of a rival known as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or just Jalisco. "There's been this debate for the last 10 years over who is bigger, the Cartel de Jalisco or the Sinaloa cartel," Dr Jones says. "At this point it's pretty clear — we're going to say it's the Cartel de Jalisco." One big reason for that is a bloody factional war that's been tearing the Sinaloa cartel apart. For a long time, El Chapo — real name Joaquín Guzmán — led the Sinaloa cartel alongside Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. When El Chapo was arrested in 2016, it left his four sons to share control of the cartel with El Mayo. But El Chapo's sons turned on El Mayo. A year ago, Joaquín Guzmán López — the son known as "El Güero Moreno" — delivered El Mayo straight into the hands of American law enforcement. Both El Mayo and El Güero Moreno were arrested on a tarmac in Texas after flying in on a private jet. It is still not totally clear how El Mayo ended up on the plane. Early reports suggested he was duped into thinking he was going to see real estate in northern Mexico. But through his lawyer, El Mayo has said he was ambushed by six men in military uniforms, who tied him up, took him to a landing strip and forced him onto the plane. It means two of El Chapo's sons are in US custody, as well as El Mayo. And the sons' betrayal of El Mayo unleashed an all-out war between the Sinaloa cartel's two big factions — the sons' Los Chapitos faction and the El Mayo faction. "That is turning into a bloody dispute that has surged violence in [the state of] Sinaloa for the last year," Dr Jones says. Parts of Sinaloa, including the capital, Culiacan, are said to be like war zones. An NPR report this month said more than 1,000 people had been killed, and another 1,000 were missing, amid "nearly daily gun battles" on city streets. There is now evidence the Los Chapitos faction is forming an alliance with the rival Jalisco cartel, Dr Jones says. "The Chapitos, as best we can tell, have formed an alliance with [Jalisco] to kind of counterbalance against the El Mayo faction," he says. "So it means it's very hard now to talk about the Sinaloa cartel as a coherent entity." Mexico's cartels do not often target tourists, because it can put them in the glare of unwanted international attention. An attack on an American traveller last October, almost six months after the Robinson brothers were killed, is a case in point. Veteran US Marine Nicholas Quets, 31, was killed by Sinaloa cartel members near the town of Caborca. It is in the state of Sonora, east of Baja California, where the Australian surfers were killed. Like the Robinson brothers, Quets was travelling in a pick-up truck. The US Department of Homeland Security says he "encountered a Sinaloa cartel checkpoint" while on his way to the beach resort city of Puerto Peñasco. "These cartel members attempted to steal his pick-up truck before shooting him in the back through his heart," a Homeland Security statement said. On March 31, the US government used what would have been Quets's 32nd birthday to announce new sanctions on groups suspected of money laundering for the Sinaloa cartel. The sanctions are among a string of measures taken by the Trump administration to ratchet up pressure on Mexico's cartels, and on the Mexican government to crack down on them. The US has also listed the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organisations, and last month announced $US10 million rewards for the capture of El Chapo's two fugitive sons. His other two sons remain in US custody. The plea deal taken by the youngest, El Ratón, could help him avoid an otherwise-likely life sentence. And his brother, El Güero Moreno, has also reportedly been negotiating a similar deal since flying into the US with El Mayo. The US sees the capture and capitulation of the brothers as a big win in its war on the cartels. "So much blood and violence lay with the Guzmán family," Homeland Security special agent Ray Rede said. "No more." It is not clear exactly how the Sinaloa cartel is allegedly connected to the men accused of murdering the Robinson brothers last year. A translation of the court document that revealed the link says: "Their continued presence at the local penitentiary centre poses a threat to its safety and governance, as they have been identified as involved in smuggling substances on behalf of the Paisas gang". It also says they "belong to a criminal group affiliated with the Sinaloa cartel". The court process for Jesús Gerardo and Irineo Francisco, and two co-accused, has only just begun. It is set to resume at another hearing on Friday.
