### Mayor of Tijuana Calls for Anaya to Clarify Allegations of Pedophilia Amid Potential Public Funds Misuse
**By Julieta Aragón | September 19, 2024**
The Mayor of Tijuana, Montserrat Caballero Ramírez, has called on PAN Councilman Enrique Anaya Mata to address the serious allegations of pedophilia against him. This comes in response to Anaya’s intent to file complaints before the Sindicatura and the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office against Chief Administrative Officer Marcelo Marchain Servin and Treasurer Luis Miguel Ramírez Flores for alleged misuse of public funds.
Caballero Ramírez criticized Anaya Mata for his prolonged absence from work, reportedly eight weeks, and for raising concerns about irregularities he is supposedly unaware of. “We saw a very eye-catching banner in the city accusing him of something as terrible as pedophilia. So, I think he has matters to clarify first,” she stated, adding that her administration has faced and overcome numerous accusations, underscoring their commitment to transparency despite opposition criticism.
The Mayor mentioned that she has been summoned to testify in unspecified cases by unidentified authorities but assured that she will comply with the summons by the Electoral Institute. “We’ve been summoned, and if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear. There are countless legal entities to defend our actions as well,” she noted during a visit to the ongoing rehabilitation project of Tijuana’s beach boardwalk.
Earlier, Councilman Anaya Mata announced plans to file new charges against the current Chief Administrative Officer and Treasurer over improper payments, unauthorized contract approvals, and resulting fiscal damages. He pointed out that Sindicatura is already reviewing two complaints regarding the alleged embezzlement related to the purchase of 29 patrol pickups and two armored units, which reportedly cost nearly 70 million pesos without Cabildo’s authorization.
These purchases were funded by the Federal Fund for Municipal Strengthening (FORTAMUN). If mishandling is proven, the case could be referred to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office. Anaya also mentioned an ongoing investigation in Sindicatura concerning 462 million pesos spent without Cabildo’s approval, using “automatic extension notices” to bypass regulatory procedures.
According to Article 50, Section IV of the Public Budget and Spending Law, these expenses should have been presented before Cabildo with a legal quorum. Anaya noted that this requirement was not met during a failed extraordinary session. Should Sindicatura confirm any wrongdoing, involved officials may face the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s scrutiny.
Anaya also accused Mayor Caballero of prematurely claiming that all expenses for major projects, such as the beach boardwalk and a pedestrian bridge at Macro Plaza, were settled, despite their incomplete status. He warned that irregularities in these projects could also lead to significant financial losses for the municipality.
—
### Secondary Article: Public Funds Misuse Under Scrutiny in Tijuana
**September 19, 2024**
As the scandal surrounding the alleged pedophilia of Councilman Enrique Anaya Mata unfolds, another series of allegations concerning misuse of public funds have surfaced. Recently, Anaya announced his intention to file new charges against key municipal officials, pointing to improper payments and unauthorized contracts which have potentially cost the city millions.
The implicated officials, Chief Administrative Officer Marcelo Marchain Servin and Treasurer Luis Miguel Ramírez Flores, are accused of approving payments without sufficient budgetary support. Furthermore, an ongoing investigation into unauthorized expenditures and contract awards amounting to 462 million pesos reflects profound governance issues.
The debacle surrounding the incomplete rehabilitation of Tijuana’s beach boardwalk adds another layer of complexity to the city’s financial oversight problems. Despite securing funds, the project has been plagued by execution anomalies, stalling its progress and raising suspicions about potential fiscal mismanagement.
The impending investigations by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office underscore the city’s struggle to maintain accountability and transparency within its governance structures. As the Mayor faces her own summons, the unfolding developments are set to test the resilience of Tijuana’s administrative integrity.