Former Undersecretary of Planning and Tourism Policy of Mexico, Simón Levy, has accused Baja California Senator Armando Ayala of orchestrating an extortion scheme targeting U.S. citizens living in Mexico, allegations he says are backed by documentary evidence already shared with American authorities.
In a public message addressed to U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson, Levy said several American residents were pressured into making payments totaling roughly one million pesos through demands tied to Mexico’s National Water Commission (CONAGUA).
The accusations surfaced just days after Ayala formally entered Morena’s internal race for the party’s 2027 gubernatorial nomination in Baja California.
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Alleged payments and intimidation
According to Levy, the victims were told the payments were required to resolve issues involving CONAGUA. He also says they received WhatsApp messages intended to pressure them into complying with the demands instead of filing complaints or challenging the requests.
Levy stated that he is prepared to hand over the evidence directly to Ambassador Johnson and said he has already notified the U.S. Department of Justice, along with other agencies responsible for protecting American citizens overseas.
“The allegations involve conduct that could expose both American and Mexican citizens to illegal extortion and intimidation,” Levy wrote.
Levy urged U.S. authorities to review the case as quickly as possible, arguing that the accusations involve an active Mexican politician and therefore deserve immediate attention. He also reiterated his willingness to provide any additional documentation needed to support the allegations.
The senator recently returned to the national political spotlight after registering as a candidate in Morena’s internal process to select its nominee for Baja California governor in the 2027 election.
