José Concepción ‘N’ allegedly withheld public transportation concession applications to force transport operators into corruption.
The corruption network that allegedly operated within the Secretariat of Mobility of Tabasco (Semovi) has a name: José Concepción ‘N’, who allegedly took advantage of his position as Head of the Human Resources Department to turn the issuance of public transportation concessions into a highly profitable personal business.
He Demanded Up to 300,000 Pesos
Under a carefully designed extortion scheme, the official allegedly demanded payments ranging from 150,000 to 300,000 pesos from citizens in exchange for issuing license plates and permits, primarily for taxi concessions.
For this alleged offense, and because he was a public official, he could face a maximum prison sentence of up to 38 years, according to the Penal Code of the State of Tabasco.
Article 240, covering Abuse of Official Functions, establishes prison sentences of 2 to 12 years for unlawfully granting concessions.
Article 238, covering Concussion (a corruption-related offense in legal terminology), provides 2 to 12 years in prison for public officials who unlawfully demand money.
Likewise, Articles 242 and 246, covering Bribery and Crimes Committed by Private Individuals, establish prison sentences of up to 14 years for officials who receive money in exchange for illegal government procedures.
Alleged Modus Operandi
José Concepción ‘N’, also known as “Concho,” allegedly abused his institutional authority to subject transportation operators to a staged extortion process.
The scheme allegedly began when applicants legally requested transportation concessions. Their applications would then remain indefinitely delayed under José Concepción ‘N’s supervision, forcing applicants to seek an alternative solution.
To collect the money, the official allegedly used intermediaries who arranged meetings with victims in public places away from Semovi offices to avoid leaving any official record. During these meetings, José Concepción ‘N’ allegedly demanded payments ranging from initial “processing acceleration” fees to as much as 300,000 pesos, making the release of permits conditional upon immediate payment.
Arrest and Criminal Proceedings
On Wednesday, June 24, security forces ended José Concepción ‘N’s alleged activities through an operation that resulted in his arrest.
Following his arrest, the official was transferred to Penitentiary Center No. 01.
Semovi has reportedly cooperated directly with the Tabasco State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) by providing evidence to help secure justice for victims who formally reported the alleged extortion demands.
Evidence Exists and the Prosecutor’s Office Is Taking Action
“The authorities are now taking action. Some people even believed this would remain just another investigation,” said Rafael Elías Sánchez Cabrales, head of Semovi, on June 25.
“However, we have provided all the evidence in our possession. I understand that those affected have continued pursuing these cases, filed the appropriate complaints, submitted evidence, and the Attorney General’s Office is now taking action,” he added.
Case Information
Name: José Concepción ‘N’ (alias “Concho”)
Age: 51 years old
Position: Head of the Human Resources Department, Secretariat of Mobility (Semovi)
Date of Admission to Prison: June 24
Charge: Extortion
Victim: Jesús Enrique ‘N’
He Allegedly Abused His Position
Alleged extortionist and official within the Secretariat of Mobility.
Alleged Operation
ILLEGAL BUSINESS: Illegal sale and issuance of public transportation concessions (taxis)
EXTORTION AMOUNT: Demands ranging from 150,000 to 300,000 pesos per concession.
METHOD: Deliberately delaying official procedures to force applicants into making cash payments during private meetings.
Legal Framework and Penalties
(Tabasco Penal Code)
Article 240 (Abuse of Official Functions): Prison sentence of 2 to 12 years (when the amount exceeds 500 UMA) for unlawfully granting concessions.
Article 238 (Concussion – Corruption Offense): Prison sentence of 2 to 12 years (when the amount exceeds 500 UMA) for public officials who unlawfully demand money.
Articles 242 and 246 (Bribery and Crimes Committed by Private Individuals): Prison sentence of up to 14 years for public officials who receive money in exchange for illegal administrative procedures.
Taxi Concessions in Jalpa Investigated for Possible Criminal Links
Semovi confirmed that the law is being strictly enforced against transportation operators or permit holders who use public transportation services to commit crimes.
The Secretariat of Mobility (Semovi) is monitoring several public transportation units and has initiated formal concession revocation proceedings against two taxis in the municipality of Jalpa de Méndez after they were allegedly involved in criminal activities.
The head of the agency, Rafael Elías Sánchez Cabrales, confirmed that the law is being applied rigorously to transportation operators or permit holders who use public transportation services to commit crimes, particularly those related to organized crime or offenses against public health.
Comprehensive Investigation
“In the case of transportation units involved in criminal activities related to organized crime or offenses against public health, we are indeed carrying out concession revocation proceedings,” he stated.
Zero Tolerance and Revocation Proceedings
The legal process for revoking these permits requires close coordination with law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities.
Sánchez Cabrales explained that Semovi does not act without evidence but relies on formal criminal investigations before revoking operating rights.
“What do we do in these cases? We request information from the authorities regarding the type of crime involved. If an investigation confirms participation, we will unquestionably enforce the law. This is provided for under the Mobility Law. We will revoke the corresponding concession or permit,” the secretary explained.
“In the case of transportation units involved in criminal activities related to organized crime or other serious crimes, we are indeed carrying out concession revocation proceedings.”
— Rafael Elías Sánchez Cabrales, Head of Semovi
Source: tabascohoy
