Yucatan Police Commander Dismissed Over Alleged $5 Million Robbery in Irregular Operation

Mérida, Yucatán — Authorities dismissed a high-ranking police commander in Yucatán state after accusations he participated in the robbery of 5 million pesos (approximately $300,000) from a businessman during an irregular operation, raising questions about internal corruption and transparency within the security force.

Inspector Antonio Alanis Can, known within the department as “El Negro,” served as coordinator of the State Investigation Police (PEI) until his removal. Internal sources and local media reports indicate the incident occurred weeks ago when a businessman driving a luxury vehicle was intercepted by at least six PEI officers, including one female agent.

The operation, initially justified as part of actions against financial crimes or drug trafficking, deviated from protocol when officers allegedly took the businessman to unofficial holding facilities rather than proper police stations. There, they reportedly seized his vehicle and a briefcase containing cash, then intimidated him with threats to prevent him from reporting the incident.

The case gained momentum when the businessman, who reportedly has personal connections to Public Security Department head Luis Felipe Saidén Ojeda, filed a complaint directly with top command. This prompted an internal investigation led by PEI director Carlos Eduardo Flores Moo.

Investigations reportedly pointed to Juan Gabriel Ramírez Hernández, alias “El Grillo,” who coordinates operations within the department, as having ordered the businessman’s interception. If confirmed, this would suggest a hierarchical structure where significant decisions are made outside legal frameworks.

While authorities removed Alanis Can from his position, the resolution has generated discontent both inside and outside the department because he was not turned over to prosecutors. Instead, he was reportedly reassigned as a commander in the southern part of the state, based in Kanasín. The female officer allegedly involved was assigned to internal duties after returning money she reportedly received.

These developments follow previous allegations about discretionary handling of operations by senior commanders and reports of possible federal investigations into illicit activities and potential links to criminal networks.

The Public Security Department has not issued an official statement about the incident or clarified the status of those involved. Nor has it provided information about the appointment of an agent known as “BACAB,” who reportedly assumed Alanis Can’s position without visible background in the department’s public structure.

The case renews debate about internal control mechanisms, transparency in security forces, and the need for external investigations by agencies like the Federal Prosecutor’s Office to ensure impartiality.