FGR summons seven sailors to testify in the Farías Laguna case; begins a new stage in the investigation

The Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) has ordered seven members of the Secretaría de Marina (Semar) to appear for questioning in the case involving Vice Admiral Manuel Roberto Farías Laguna. The directive, issued through an official document dated July 22, 2026, marks a new phase in the investigation into allegations related to hydrocarbon-related crimes. The seven sailors, who have been summoned to testify before the Fiscalía Especializada en Materia de Delincuencia Organizada (FEMDO), will be questioned this Thursday under the supervision of federal prosecutors. This move follows a request made by Farías Laguna’s defense team, which argued that incorporating testimonies from naval personnel would strengthen their legal strategy. According to the official communication, the interviews were authorized upon explicit request from the defense and will be conducted by the defendants' attorneys throughout the day. The Ministry of Public Prosecution will be present during all proceedings to ensure compliance with legal protocols. The FGR stated that the staggered appearance of the seven marines represents a critical step forward in the case. It allows for the formal integration of statements from Semar personnel into the judicial file, a requirement previously emphasized by the defense. The agency noted that the focus of the investigation is now shifting toward what these testimonies might reveal about the individuals involved in decision-making processes, operational directives, and responsibilities that remain undisclosed. According to the statement released by the FGR, the testimonies could clarify who participated in key decisions, how the operation unfolded, and who gave orders or assigned duties that have yet to be publicly disclosed. The document emphasizes that these interviews go beyond procedural requirements, offering a chance to determine whether the investigation is targeting those who directed the actions in question. Farías Laguna, currently detained at El Altiplano, faces charges related to hydrocarbon-related offenses. His legal team had previously requested access to internal communications and records within the navy to support their defense. This latest development suggests that the prosecution is responding to those requests by allowing direct testimony from involved personnel. The process involves the presence of both defense lawyers and federal prosecutors, ensuring transparency while maintaining the integrity of the legal procedures. Each of the seven marines will be interviewed individually, with their respective legal representatives present. The outcome of these sessions is expected to provide further insight into the alleged misconduct and potentially influence the direction of the ongoing trial. As the investigation progresses, the role of military personnel in the alleged wrongdoing continues to be scrutinized. The testimonies collected from these sailors may serve as crucial evidence in determining the extent of involvement among higher-ranking officials. The FGR has indicated that the information gathered will be used to build a more comprehensive understanding of the operations in question. The upcoming hearings are anticipated to yield valuable data that could shape the final stages of the legal proceedings against Farías Laguna.