**Primary Article:**
**Sheinbaum Reappoints Familiar Face to Head Customs in Mexico**
In a recent development, the President of Mexico has appointed Rafael Marín Mollinedo as the new head of Mexico’s National Customs Agency (ANAM), marking his return to the position after previously serving as its leader. This decision, officially announced on February 14, 2025, sees Marín Mollinedo stepping in for André Georges Foullon Van Lissum.
Rafael Marín Mollinedo shares a unique connection to notable political figures, as he is a cousin of Nicolás Mollinedo Bastar. Mollinedo Bastar, popularly known as “Nico,” once served as a driver and logistics coordinator for Mexico’s previous leader during his term as Head of the Federal District Government from 2000 to 2005 and throughout two presidential campaigns (2006 and 2012).
During a press conference, held at the Treasury Hall in the National Palace, the President emphasized the importance of increasing customs revenue and said that they would hold weekly meetings to assess ANAM’s progress. Marín Mollinedo is tasked with ensuring coordination between military forces, civil officials, and the newly established Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency.
“Rafael’s primary task will be to boost revenue from customs. We’ve already seen an increase in the first month, thanks to some initiatives, but now he has the additional role of overseeing the coordination between the Ministry of Defense, Navy, civilians, and working closely with the Digital Transformation Agency,” stated the President. She expressed confidence that these efforts would lead to higher revenue, helping to fulfill the government’s commitments to the citizens of Mexico.
Previously, Foullon Van Lissum was appointed as ANAM’s director on June 21, 2023, replacing Marín Mollinedo, who then took up a role as Mexico’s ambassador to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. This appointment was part of a series of changes marking the fifth leadership shift at ANAM during the current administration.
**Secondary Article:**
**Rafael Marín Mollinedo: A Closer Look at His Career Path**
Rafael Marín Mollinedo holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Throughout his career, he has held several significant positions, some of which include leading the Corredor Interoceánico del Istmo de Tehuantepec and heading the Federal Authority for the Development of Special Economic Zones.
Before his various roles at the national level, Marín Mollinedo served as the director-general of Urban Services for the District Federal’s Works and Services Department, in addition to directing the Passenger Transport Network under the District’s Transportation and Mobility Department. These roles were all under the leadership of a prominent political figure during their time as the head of the GDF.
Meanwhile, Nicolás Mollinedo Bastar, known for his close association with political leadership, has made headlines in the past. In 2019, he launched the civil association Movimiento Ambientalista Social por México, with ambitions to become a political party for the 2021 elections, though this goal was not realized. Nico was also known for his substantial salary, which at one point exceeded that of senior medical professionals despite the administration’s austerity policies.
Nico has been vocal about controversies surrounding alleged links between political campaigns and drug cartels. While facing accusations from various media sources, including reports of campaign finance from the Sinaloa Cartel in 2006, he has consistently denied these claims, labeling them as politically motivated and without basis.
Both the reinstatement of Rafael Marín Mollinedo and the continuing story of Nicolás Mollinedo Bastar underscore the complex web of relationships and histories intertwined within the Mexican political and administrative landscape. As ANAM embarks on its latest chapter under Marín Mollinedo’s leadership, the focus remains on increasing efficiency and transparency in the country’s customs operations.