**Sheinbaum to Merge SEGALMEX with DICONSA; Will Establish ‘Alimentación para el Bienestar’**
On September 17, 2024, the President-elect of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, announced the merger of the state-run enterprises Seguridad Alimentaria Mexicana (SEGALMEX) and Diconsa S.A. de C.V. This announcement was made during a press conference held at her transition home in Iztapalapa. Sheinbaum revealed plans to create a new entity named “Alimentación para el Bienestar.”
Sheinbaum confirmed that María Luisa Albores González, current Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration, would lead the new unit. The merged entity will consist of all existing Diconsa stores, rebranded as “Tiendas del Bienestar.” Sheinbaum highlighted that this initiative aims to streamline operations by managing guaranteed prices and linking small producers directly with consumers. This move is also intended to support the “Sembrando Vida” program.
Additionally, Sheinbaum announced that Leonel Efraín Cota Montaño, former governor of Baja California Sur and ex-director of SEGALMEX, would occupy a new Undersecretary role within the Federal Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER).
SEGALMEX, founded on January 18, 2019, has faced significant challenges. President López Obrador acknowledged issues within the organization and urged severe action on an alleged massive fraud involving SEGALMEX. On December 7, 2023, René Gavira Segreste, former head of the Administration and Finance Unit at SEGALMEX, was apprehended for his suspected involvement in diverting 9.5 billion pesos. The Attorney General’s Office stated Gavira approved illegal financial transactions, including purchasing high-risk securities without proper regulatory oversight.
President López Obrador emphasized the importance of confronting corruption and confirmed that investigations are underway, with multiple arrests already made. He called for a thorough inquiry to ensure no impunity and avoid political exploitation by opponents.
**Secondary Update:**
**Investigation into SEGALMEX Fraud Intensifies**
Following the recent merger announcement, authorities are intensifying their investigation into the SEGALMEX corruption case. Recent reports from several reliable sources have indicated that new arrests and further inquiries are expected.
The investigation has expanded to scrutinize former officials who oversaw financial transactions and supply chain processes within SEGALMEX and Diconsa. Insider sources report that forensic audits are ongoing, with findings suggesting multiple layers of fraud involving misappropriation of funds and unauthorized investments.
Public interest in the integrity of food security programs remains high, and the incoming Sheinbaum administration’s moves to consolidate these entities under a new governance structure are seen as attempts to restore public confidence and improve accountability in the sector.
As developments continue, the administration pledges transparency and a commitment to eliminating corruption from high levels of government management, reinforcing the transformative goals set by the López Obrador administration.
For the latest updates, TJGringo.com will continue to provide thorough coverage as this story evolves. Stay informed with real-time news and expert analyses about the significant reforms and ongoing investigations shaping Mexico’s food security landscape.