Mexico: Accounts Frozen, Permits Suspended for Bermúdez-Linked Casinos

Mexican Authorities Target Ex-Security Official’s Assets Amid Corruption Probe

Mexican authorities have launched a sweeping crackdown on the assets of Hernán Bermúdez Requena, the former Secretary of Public Security of Tabasco, who is currently a fugitive from justice. The Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (Hacienda), through the Fiscal Prosecutor’s Office, the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF), and the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV), has blocked bank accounts belonging to Bermúdez Requena, related companies, partners, and family members.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of the Interior (Segob) has revoked permits granted to casinos linked to the same family, further tightening the noose around the former official.

Financial Irregularities and Organized Crime Links

The asset freeze is part of a broader financial investigation initiated at the start of the current federal administration. Authorities are scrutinizing Bermúdez Requena for alleged money laundering, irregular financial operations, and suspected ties to organized crime. The investigation aims to uncover the extent of his illicit activities and dismantle any criminal networks he may have been involved with.

Casino Permits Suspended

Segob’s decision to suspend the operation permits of other companies involved in gaming and betting, also connected to the Bermúdez family, underscores the seriousness of the allegations. These companies are suspected of engaging in tax evasion schemes and concealing illicit funds, prompting the government to take decisive action.

Recent investigations have revealed that a company linked to Hernán Bermúdez’s brother purportedly obtained irregular renewals of casino operation permits during Adán Augusto López’s tenure as head of Segob.

Fugitive Status and Criminal Allegations

Bermúdez Requena, nicknamed “El Abuelo,” has been a fugitive since February 14, 2025, when a Tabasco judge issued an arrest warrant for him on charges of criminal association, extortion, and kidnapping. Interpol has issued a red notice for his capture in over 190 countries. The Attorney General’s Office (FGR) confirmed that he left Mexico on January 26, days before the warrant was issued.

Since 2021, military intelligence reports have identified Bermúdez as “Commander H,” the alleged leader of “La Barredora,” a criminal organization composed of former police officers. This group is allegedly involved in extortion, fuel trafficking, human trafficking, and drug dealing in several municipalities of Tabasco.

Political Fallout

According to local media, the investigations gained momentum with the arrival of Javier May, a member of the ruling Morena party, as governor of Tabasco. May has publicly denounced Bermúdez’s alleged ties to organized crime. However, Adán Augusto López, the former governor of Tabasco and former head of Segob, has maintained that he “never suspected him,” despite their close relationship spanning over three decades.