Former Mayor Lili Campos Skips Hearing Over Missing Millions in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Former mayor Lili Campos Miranda and her ex-husband, former treasurer Pedro Escobedo Vázquez, failed to appear Tuesday before the city’s Internal Control Office to answer questions about millions of pesos in missing funds from the 2023 fiscal year, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Both had been summoned by public notice earlier this month to explain the shortfall, which involved money that should have been spent on services and public works. Their absence marks the latest development in an administrative responsibility proceeding targeting top officials from the previous municipal administration.

Kira Iris San, who also served as treasurer under Campos, did appear Monday at the new city hall after losing several appeals for protection. She attended the initial hearing as part of the same proceeding.

On Wednesday, authorities are expected to determine next steps regarding the no-shows by Campos and Escobedo.

José Luis Argüelles González, former director of entertainment under Campos, also failed to appear, but he has obtained a temporary court suspension that blocks his attendance for now. Argüelles is reportedly close to Filiberto Martínez Méndez.

Cristina Alecerreca Manzanero, head of the Internal Control Office, said Monday that the process will continue. If the former officials remain unwilling to appear, the case could be referred to the Administrative Justice and Anti-Corruption Tribunal of Quintana Roo and potentially lead to criminal charges.

Campos has reportedly sought refuge in the Morena party to avoid legal proceedings, while her supporters have found shelter in the campaign of Rafael Marín Mollinedo, the former head of Mexico’s customs agency who has been linked to a deadly train derailment of the Interoceanic Train.