**PAN Councilors File Complaint Against Former Mayor Montserrat Caballero Over Alleged Illicit Enrichment**
In the wake of accusations surrounding the construction of a luxury residence in the Playas de Tijuana, Costa de Oro section, councilors from the National Action Party (PAN) of Tijuana’s 25th Municipality have lodged a formal complaint. The legal action was taken against the former Mayor Montserrat Caballero on Tuesday, October 15, alleging illicit enrichment.
“The PAN faction has approached the Office of Internal Affairs today to file a complaint against former Mayor Montserrat Caballero concerning potential illicit enrichment,” announced Sandra Magaña, coordinator of the party’s faction.
The PAN councilors have called for three investigative actions: a review of Caballero’s financial disclosures at the start and end of her term, an inquiry into the funding sources for the home’s construction, and an evaluation to determine if any contractors or suppliers received favorable treatment during the previous administration to facilitate building the house.
“The land was bought for $80,000 in an elite neighborhood. We’re curious about how these deals happened, considering the house itself is valued at 16 million pesos,” Magaña emphasized.
Christopher Domínguez, PAN leader in Tijuana, noted that in 2021, the property was purchased at a rate 30% lower than the market price. He highlighted ongoing concerns about the administration’s integrity as the recent rejection of the 2022 public account raised alarms about past corruption. The house in question is located in one of Tijuana’s most exclusive gated communities.
Subsequently, Domínguez indicated that further complaints related to administrative irregularities and corruption would soon be submitted to the Office of Internal Affairs.
The complaint against Caballero, filed by councilors Miguel Antonio Loza, Sandra Magaña Rivas, and Gina Arana, was received by the Internal Affairs Prosecutor, Teresita de Jesús Balderas. “This process will be conducted with the commitment required, and investigation results will be transparently shared,” assured Balderas.
**Response from Montserrat Caballero**
In response to allegations disseminated by the media and political figures, Montserrat Caballero took to social media to defend herself, stating she had not been formally notified of any accusations. She expressed skepticism over the accusations by questioning, “If I were guilty of such accusations and not officially notified, why wouldn’t I have fled with the alleged assets?”
Caballero also referenced her administration’s financial management, highlighting the repayment of a significant debt and a financial loan to the state, dismissing the feasibility of the corruption claims.
In a closing remark, Caballero criticized Congressman Jorge Ramos, asking that he address his own financial obligations that she claims led to the city’s debt crisis. Additionally, she asserted the resolve to not succumb to what she termed as ‘disguised panistas.’
**Secondary Article: Ongoing Investigations and Reactions**
In recent developments reflecting the intensified scrutiny on political figures in Baja California, the investigations into the former mayor extend beyond Tijuana. Sources indicate that these probes could lead to broader analyses into property dealings and the financial disclosures of various officials within the region. As more citizens and legal experts weigh in, concerns over political accountability and transparency have become prominent discussion points across local media platforms.
The government of Baja California continues to emphasize its commitment to transparency and accountability, aiming to restore public confidence amid ongoing political disputes. This pledge comes following several high-profile cases linked to illicit enrichment and financial misconduct, suggesting a widespread commitment to curtailing corruption at municipal and state levels.