On 18/6, Mexico's Public Prosecutor's Office issued a summons for Nancy Napoles Pacheco, mayor of Tenancingo, for questioning on charges of "staging a kidnapping".

According to investigation records, the scandal began with a 31/5 announcement that Napoles was forced into a vehicle and kidnapped by a group of armed individuals. Security forces immediately launched an extensive search operation in the southern region of Mexico State.

During her alleged captivity, Napoles contacted security forces, asserting she was being held against her will. However, she requested no direct intervention to ensure her safety. The kidnappers demanded a 40 million pesos ransom (approximately 2,3 million USD) and threatened her life and her family's if the demand was not met.

Nancy Napoles Pacheco, mayor of Tenancingo. *Photo: AD Noticias*

Hours later, Mexican security officials announced that the Tenancingo mayor had escaped captivity and was found safe in Joquicingo. She was taken home under the protection of security forces.

However, the subsequent investigation revealed inconsistencies in her statements and those of others involved. Prosecutors stated that the testimonies of three arrested suspects, along with data collected from surveillance cameras and phone call tracking, suggested the kidnapping might have been staged.

According to preliminary investigation results, the participants' true intention was to create a legitimate reason to account for public funds previously embezzled, transforming them into ransom money. Investigators believe Napoles's husband and brother-in-law planned the "fake kidnapping".

According to prosecutors, a witness who coincidentally saw the mayor being forced into a vehicle reported it to the police early, prompting authorities to launch a search faster than the Napoles family anticipated.

The Public Prosecutor's Office suspects Mayor Napoles also played a role in organizing the fake kidnapping, but emphasized that the court will decide if there is sufficient evidence to conclude her responsibility.

Napoles denies all accusations, stating the incident is being "politicized". While no arrest warrant has been issued for her, the mayor's husband and brother-in-law have fled.

Napoles is a member of the ruling Morena party of President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has repeatedly affirmed that fighting corruption is a top priority for the Mexican government.

Thanh Danh (AFP, Diario E-Volucion)