Jorge Hank Rhon

Héctor Félix Miranda, co-director of ZETA and critic of Jorge Hank Rhon, was murdered in 1988. Two Agua Caliente security employees, including one of Hank's bodyguards, were convicted. For decades, ZETA and other journalists have called for further investigation into who ordered the murder and have publicly suspected Hank.

Attribution

Indirectly implicated

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted

During the gubernatorial campaign, Baja California tax authorities audited Grupo Caliente companies and provisionally seized 208 gaming machines whose lawful presence in the country had allegedly not been immediately demonstrated.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

During the 1990s and 2000s, Hank Rhon was repeatedly mentioned in the press in connection with suspicions of close ties to the Arellano Félix brothers and possible use of the Agua Caliente complex as a money laundering centre. These allegations became an enduring part of his public reputation.

Attribution

Directly implicated

In June 2011, military personnel searched Hank Rhon's property and seized 88 firearms, more than 9,000 rounds of ammunition, magazines and a grenade. He was arrested as part of an investigation into possession of restricted or unauthorised weapons.

Attribution

Directly implicated

After his release in the firearms case, Hank Rhon was detained by Baja California authorities during an investigation into a 2009 homicide and weapons potentially linked to crimes. He was released a few hours later.

Attribution

Directly implicated

During election campaigns in Tijuana and later Baja California, Hank Rhon repeatedly stated that his “favourite animal” was woman, provoking outrage and accusations of sexism.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Hank Rhon's candidacy for governor was challenged because the local constitution then prohibited an elected official from leaving office early to seek another mandate. The electoral tribunal initially invalidated his registration before appeals ultimately allowed him to stand.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated