01-04-03 Multi-million dollar frauds involving organized crime have been uncovered in the refining division of state oil company Pemex, and criminal charges are pending against several of those involved, Mexico's anti-corruption ministry confirmed.
The anti-corruption “czar”, Francisco Barrio, said an "irregular payment" of $ 140 mm had been detected in a contract signed by Pemex subsidiary Pemex-Refinacion and a private company.

A subsequent inquiry revealed tax evasion, the creation of phantom companies and other crimes, Barrio said.