Financial Operator of Oaxaca Union Arrested After 12 Raids
Authorities in Oaxaca arrested four men allegedly linked to the Alianza de Sindicatos y Asociaciones del Estado de Oaxaca (ASAEO) after carrying out 12 search warrants in the metropolitan area of Oaxaca City. Among those arrested was a man identified as César M. V., alias “El Chabelo,”, whom investigators describe as one of the organization’s main financial operators.
The operation was carried out during the early hours and throughout September 8, 2026, as part of what the Oaxaca State Attorney General’s Office described as the third coordinated operation against the organization. Seven properties were secured during the raids. According to investigators, the properties were allegedly connected to the leadership of ASAEO and were used as places for protection, rest, and operations.
The other three detainees were identified by their initials as H.I.B.A., K.U.D.P., and A.J.E.J. Authorities described them as members of the organization’s operational network and said that each allegedly performed different functions within the structure.
The operation involved the Oaxaca State Attorney General’s Office (FGEO), the State Investigation Agency, State Police, the C5i intelligence center, the National Defense Ministry, the Navy, the National Guard, and the federal Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection.
A Broader Investigation Into ASAEO
The arrests are part of a broader security operation targeting ASAEO. According to authorities, the organization has been investigated as an alleged criminal structure operating in Oaxaca.
Earlier operations took place on August 27 and September 2, according to local reports. The first operation resulted in nine arrests after 14 searches were conducted in several municipalities in the metropolitan area. Among those arrested was Sharon Italia Curiel Hernández, known as “La Italia,” who was identified as the organization’s general secretary.
The September 2 operation involved six searches in Oaxaca City, Villa Etla, Soledad Etla, Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán and Etla, resulting in three additional arrests. Authorities reported that firearms, drugs, cash, vehicles, cellular phones and communication radios were seized during those operations.
With the latest four arrests, reports indicate that at least 16 people have been detained in the series of operations against the organization since late August, although the exact number and legal status of each detainee may change as the cases move forward.
Authorities have linked the investigation to alleged crimes including extortion, collection of protection payments, contract killings, intentional homicide, dispossession of property and drug dealing, according to reports about the investigation. These are allegations under investigation and do not constitute convictions.
Seven Properties Secured
Investigators said the seven properties secured during the latest operation were allegedly connected to the organization’s leadership. Authorities described them as locations used for security, rest and operational activities.
The searches were conducted as investigators continued gathering information about the structure and activities of ASAEO. The operation was described as part of an effort to dismantle what authorities consider a criminal network operating under the cover of a union organization.
The Oaxaca Attorney General’s Office said the four detainees were being placed at the disposal of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will determine their legal situation. The authorities also emphasized that the suspects are entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence.
The case therefore represents another major step in the Oaxaca government’s recent campaign against the alleged criminal activities surrounding ASAEO, with investigators focusing not only on its leadership but also on the organization’s financial and operational structure.
Source: reforma
