The latest embarrassment for the “reformed” Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) is a scandal surrounding Andres Granier, the former governor of Tabasco, who faces allegations that he misused public funds during his 2007-2012 administration.
The scandal exploded after state investigators found a haul of 88.5 million pesos (7.1 million dollars) in cash at a ranch belonging to Jose Manuel Saiz Pineda, Granier’s former finance secretary.
Granier failed to turn up for questioning by state investigators last week, prompting speculation that he has gone into hiding. The whereabouts of Saiz Pineda, who is also wanted for questioning, are unknown.
Although Granier has not been charged with any crime, his cause was not helped by the release last week of an audio tape in which he boasts of owning properties in New York, Miami, Villahermosa, Mexico City and Cancun, and of having luxury tastes, including wardrobes full of 400 pairs of shoes, 400 pairs of pants, 300 suits and 1,000 shirts – all renowned brand names. He later said the comments were an exaggeration and that he had “had one drink too many” when he made them.
His other luxury predilections extended to fine wines and liquors. The cellar at his official governor’s residence included a Romanee-Conti valued at 99,000 pesos and a Richebourg 2005 Magnum at 69,000 pesos, among others, according to a report issued by the Tabasco Finance Secretariat.
As for Saiz, it was revealed this week that the former finance official is the owner of a luxury Ferrari, one of the most expensive cars in the world.