*Updated Apr. 23* Guadalajara -Mexico's Procuraduría General de la República (PGR) announced Thursday that authorities have arrested several men who planned to kill two brothers, both members of Mexico's federal congress. The PGR is the equivalent of the U.S. Attorney General.
The alleged conspiracy, details of which are still unfolding, targeted Ricardo Monreal Ávila, a member of the Cámara de Diputados which is the lower legislative chamber, and his brother, senator David Monreal Ávila.
The four would-be assassins were detained in a Mexico City hotel Thursday morning after they had followed the legislators for several days to determine their habits, prosecutors told a press conference yesterday afternoon. They reportedly confessed at their formal declaration, a proceeding similar to arraignment or first appearance in American courts. The government has not disclosed their names.
Prosecutors declined to comment on a motive, saying that further facts and circumstances would be made known in the days ahead. But they claim to have concrete evidence against the men, including "high powered weapons," a vehicle and communications equipment. They said once the conspiracy was discovered both brothers were placed under continuous federal surveillance. The Monreal Ávilas may have not known that until shortly before the arrests were made, however.
Mexico's attorney general, Jesús Murillo Karam, said his office learned of the plot several days ago.
Legislative leaders demanded that full details be released by the PGR as soon as possible. "We call upon the federal government and the Cámara to report the truth about this very serious matter," they said in a joint statement.
Deputy Ricardo Monreal Ávila and Senator David Monreal Ávila each represent constituents in the Mexican state of Zacatecas. David is an attorney by career. Both men are affiliated with the political left, including the Labor Party (known here as Partido del Trabajo, or PT), the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) and the Movimiento Progresista and Movimiento Ciudadano coalitions. Ricardo is national coordinator of the latter organization.The Monreal Ávila brothers have business interests in Zacatecas. One theory being investigated, according to Procuraduría insiders, is a commercial dispute with competitors who might have links to organized crime. Law enforcement sources say the gunmen may have planned to carry out a "revenge killing." The plot was broken up after it was discovered and then infiltrated by a federal intelligence operation, the PGR reported.
Business rivalries ending in murder are not uncommon in this country. In February a wealthy foreign industrialist was executed while vacationing in Guerrero, possibly on the orders of former Mexican partners. Murder of Belgian national in bustling Acapulco tourist district.
Apr. 6 - Bizarre facts have emerged today concerning this case.
The PGR says that a prominent Zacatecas agribusinessman who is a chile entrepeneur was behind the assassination plot and hired the gunmen. The assassins may be Los Zetas sicarios (professional executioners), according to one Mexican press source. But the motive had nothing to do with money.
The businessman has been identified as Arturo Guardado Méndez, a long time friend of the Monreal Ávila brothers ("almost like family," according to Guardado's own relatives). Guardado's brother, Juan Carlos, became mayor of Fresnillo, the second largest city in Zacatecas, in 2010. In February 2011 Juan Carlos vanished, presumably a victim of kidnapping by organized crime. No trace of him has ever been found, and the Guardados' elderly parents remain in anguish while hoping to learn his fate.
The family repeatedly asked the well connected and powerful Monreal Ávila brothers to leave no stone unturned in resolving the case. But apparently Arturo Guardado felt the two politicians had not done enough, and decided to have them killed for just that reason. Arturo is one of the persons in custody, according to press sources. His family and friends deny that he was involved with the plot in any way.
Apr. 23 - Most Mexican legislators travel about the nation's capital in armored vehicles with highly trained and well armed escorts. But one PT senator, a woman, rides her Harley Davidson to work every day, parking in the secure underground garage (Jan. 3, 2012 - Armored clothing may prove to be fashion rage with Mexican office seekers in 2012).
Apr. 4 - Senator David Monreal Ávila wants details on Mexican citizens facing death penalty in U.S.
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