Allegations of Irregularities: Caty Monreal and INAES
Introduction to INAES and Caty Monreal
The operations of the National Institute of Social Economy (INAES), led by Catalina “Caty” Monreal, have come under heavy scrutiny due to a recent investigation conducted by Mexicans Against Corruption and Impunity (MCCI). This investigation highlights alleged irregularities involving three cleaning cooperatives that, shortly after their establishment, secured contracts worth over 76 million pesos through direct awards.
The Cooperatives Under Investigation
The specific cooperatives in question are:
- Dehe Sak Clean Water
- Together for Cleanliness and Wellbeing
- Wellness of Cleanliness and Good Service
These cooperatives were formed between January and February 2026, and within two months, they collectively received federal contracts totaling 76,218,388 pesos.
Context of Contract Awards
The contracts were awarded by various federal government agencies, including the Anti-Corruption and Good Government Secretariat, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, the National System for the Comprehensive Development of the Family (DIF), and the Treasury Secretary. The contracts were distributed as follows:
- Dehe Sak Clean Water: a contract for 50.5 million pesos
- Wellness of Cleanliness and Good Service: a contract for 20.2 million pesos
- Together for Cleanliness and Wellbeing: contracts exceeding 10 million pesos
MCCI’s investigation alleges that some of these direct awards relied on market studies conducted by the cooperatives themselves.
Testimonies from Cooperative Members
Many members of the cooperatives have expressed confusion regarding the financial management of the contracts. They claim to not know the amounts awarded under their names and assert that the financial management remains under INAES’s control. Some members reportedly left private cleaning companies with promises of self-employment, only to find themselves working under INAES.
Concerns Over Financial Transactions
Testimonies revealed that workers were not given access to bank accounts or financial statements, leading to significant concerns about transparency. One cooperative member stated, “We just changed employers and now INAES is the one that pays us.” Additionally, the cooperative members processed credits to Financiera para el Bienestar (Finabien), reportedly under INAES’s administration.
Asset Declaration of Caty Monreal
In a related matter, Caty Monreal’s asset declaration revealed that she acquired an office valued at 4.76 million pesos through a loan shortly after taking the helm of INAES. Although this purchase itself does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing, its timing raises questions amid the ongoing investigations into the management of public resources.
Legislative Authority and Accountability
MCCI emphasizes that while INAES is authorized to register, certify, and support cooperatives, questions persist regarding whether the organization should manage resources or enter into contracts on behalf of these entities. Such concerns highlight the need for a clearer understanding of the roles and responsibilities involved in cooperative management.
Conclusion: Ongoing Scrutiny
As the investigation unfolds, the lack of a formal response from INAES or Caty Monreal regarding these allegations leaves the public questioning the integrity of the processes in place. The findings of MCCI continue to cast a shadow over the operations of these cooperatives, urging calls for accountability and transparency in public funding and cooperative management.