The U.S. Secret Service has seized $860,000 from a Nigerian cryptocurrency account after investigations on a money trail indicated the funds were proceeds of a coordinated business email scam, according to court filings obtained by Peoples Gazette.

In accordance with U.S. laws, the U.S. Secret Service has applied for forfeiture in rem of the hundreds of thousands of dollars after tracking and linking the confiscated funds to fraud.

Secret Service Special Agent Jayson Bradshaw filed the forfeiture complaint in rem in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on October 2, 2024. An arrest warrant in rem was issued on October 10 by Judge Claude M. Hilton.

An arrest warrant in rem grants a government agency the authority to seize fraudulent assets including property without waiting for the defendants’ argument.

The Nigerian whose name was withheld for security reasons allegedly intercepted email correspondence between a couple who wanted to purchase a new house and the law firm managing the sale.

The victim referred to as Victim 1 in court filings residing in Reston, Virginia on April 17 transferred $966,500 as closing cost of the house to what he believed was the account number of the law firm conducting the sale.

He had previously been exchanging emails with the firm and did not suspect foul play when he sent the funds for the property in Denver, North Carolina on April 17.

What the victim did not realise was that his email had been getting intercepted by the suspected Nigerian scammer since April 2, court filings showed. The suspect was communicating with both parties, sometimes acting as the law firm and other times pretending to be the buyers.

“Unbeknownst to VICTIM 1 at the time, the law firm began receiving emails around April 2, 2024 from spoofed email accounts which were similar to VICTIM 1 and his wife’s true email accounts,” stated the motion seeking forfeiture.

Both parties did not suspect anything amiss until April 19 when the couple and their realtor went to the law firm for a scheduled 10:00 a.m. appointment, only to discover the law firm had fixed the meeting for 2:00 p.m.

The attorney in charge of the sale asked the couple when they intended to finalise payment for the property.

Taken aback by the question, the victim responded that they already completed payment two days earlier and sent the funds to a Bank of America account ending in -0822, “per the wiring instructions he received via email on or about April 16, 2024.”

His statement set off alarm bells and he immediately reached out to his bank, Charles Schwab & Company, to report the fraudulent transfer, particularly that money was sent to an unintended account.

Investigations showed how the Nigerian suspect transferred the funds first to another account domiciled in Bank of America before moving them to his crypto account on April 18.

In total “$960,000.00 in fraud proceeds were sent to the CRYPTO ACCOUNT,” court filings stated.

On April 18, the suspect made a crypto transaction of “1.588106 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at $98,276.94 in proceeds to address: bc1qz3ms6tlc2d4lkrp6q6al28tkknyzvaflqt4y72, via transaction ID: b8c5516bd2373553b795c825247c54cbe6787afd16e97b69f5d0beb639ef4df8.”

The transaction incurred a charge of $1,723.

The 1.5 BTC transaction reduced the crypto balance to $860,000 which the Secret Service has already seized and is now seeking its forfeiture to the U.S. government.

A money trail of 1.5. BTC transfer led investigators to Binance address 1LdEvfQGAY4stVWpCo4ynMt1NUVDbY7JZG. Binance KYC (Know Your Customer) checks on the account showed that it belonged to a Nigerian citizen living in Turkey.

“Binance provided “know your customer” information for the above address, which identified a Nigerian national operating in Turkey as the owner of the account,” court filings stated. Records showed the equivalent of $89,999.97 had been withdrawn from the crypto account.

The U.S. Secret Service contends for the forfeiture of the funds in line with Title 18, United States Code that states money obtained from proceeds of unlawful activity be surrendered to the government.

At least two people were killed and dozens injured in clashes between rival groups of devotees over control of one of the world’s largest annual Muslim congregation sites near Dhaka, Bangladesh, police said on Wednesday.

The International Tabligh Jamaat organises the event to inspire Muslims to deepen their faith and return to the religious practices taught by Prophet Muhammad.

The clashes broke out early Wednesday when a group loyal to Bangladeshi scholar Moulana Jubaer Ahmed attempted to block supporters of Indian scholar Muhammad Saad Kandhalvi from entering the Ijtema grounds.

Officer Habib Iskander, citing witness accounts, said the rival groups – armed with sticks and brickbats – engaged in a violent confrontation that lasted more than 30 minutes before police intervened.

The clashes left at least two people dead and 40 injured, he added.

The division between the two factions has been a source of tension in recent years.

Supporters of Mr Jubaer Ahmed accuse Mr Saad Kandhalvi, the great-grandson of Tabligh Jamaat founder Muhammad Ilyas Kandhlawi, of misinterpreting Islamic teachings.

Every year, tens of thousands of Muslims from across the globe gather at the Ijtema grounds in Tongi, 30 kilometres north of Dhaka, to participate in what is considered the world’s third-largest annual Muslim congregation following the Hajj in Saudi Arabia and the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq.

The annual event, which generally avoids political discussions, has featured prayers, meditation, and lectures by Islamic scholars since 1976.

The three-day first phase of the congregation, known as Biswa Ijtema, is scheduled to take place from January 31 to February 2, to be followed by the second phase from February 7 to 9.

Pope Francis has revealed how British intelligence thwarted an assassination plot against him during his 2021 trip to Iraq by two suicide bombers.

The pontiff made this revelation in excerpts from his upcoming autobiography, published by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on Tuesday, coinciding with his 88th birthday.

The book, titled ‘Hope’, is set for release in January 2025.

In the excerpts, Pope Francis narrated how he travelled to Iraq in March 2021 despite warnings against the trip.

The pope disclosed he was informed about two suicide bombers targeting events he was scheduled to attend upon arriving in Bagdad.

“A woman packed with explosives, a young suicide bomber, was heading toward Mosul to blow herself up during the papal visit,” the pontiff said. “A van, also speeding toward the same target, had the same intention.”

According to the Pope Francis, British intelligence swiftly alerted Iraqi authorities, allowing them to intercept and kill the attackers.

The pope further said that when he inquired about the bombers’ fate, an Iraqi official told him the bombers had been killed.

“The (official) replied laconically: ‘They are no more’. The Iraqi police had intercepted them and blown them up,” the pope stated.

The manufacturer of the recalled batch of Deekins Amoxicillin 500mg capsule is in custody, says the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

NAFDAC boss Mojisola Adeyeye confirmed this on Tuesday at a news conference in Lagos.

On December 11, NAFDAC notified the public of the recall of one batch of Deekins Amoxicillin 500mg capsule.

The product was allegedly manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Ltd. and marketed by DevineKings Pharmaceutical Ltd., with lot number 4C639001.

The drug batch was recalled following reports of serious adverse drug reactions received from a hospital that reported three cases from patients administered with the batch of Deekins Amoxicillin 500mg capsule.

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic indicated for treating bacterial infections such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, and bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, skin, or urinary tract.

“The producer of the drug gave another company to contract the manufacturing for them and there’s nothing wrong with that but the contracted manufacturer was already in trouble.

“We’ve already shut the company down. Before you agree to do contract manufacturing for somebody, we must know. Before you go to a company to do contract manufacturing for you, you must tell us. Neither of them told us, so we shut them down,” stated Ms Adeyeye.

The NAFDAC director-general explained that Deekins Amoxicillin “has been tied to that contract manufacturer, so we invited them to our office where the contract manufacturer said they just manufactured samples for registration.”

She added, “Manufacturers are expected to show some samples before manufacturing but the spread of the product is more than a few packets that they claimed to have manufactured.

“The manufacturer is already in custody. The drugs are still being tested in the laboratory to know what is inside and to determine if there will be more charges against the person.”

A young Nigerian man has been sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl in Osun, says Governor Ademola Adeleke.

However, reprieve came the way for the convict as Mr Adeleke vowed to grant him pardon.

“I have received the report of a case of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun state for stealing a fowl.

“Consequently, I have directed the attorney general and commissioner for justice, Osun state, to commence full investigation into the matter and initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man,” the Osun governor announced.

Mr Adeleke added, “Osun is a land of justice and equity and must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives. I assure members of the public that this matter is receiving my direct attention with every sense of urgency also attached to our response to the matter.”

Veteran actor Yinka Quadri has been honoured with the Islamic chieftaincy title, Osupa Adini, a remarkable recognition of his contributions to the Islamic community.

This prestigious title is associated with Ma’had Thaqofat Arabic and Islamic Studies, and was bestowed upon him under the leadership of Chief Imam Fadeelat Sheikh Ibrahim Omodola of Araromi Central Mosque.

Quadri expressed his heartfelt gratitude for this honor, acknowledging the support of his spiritual father, Fadeelat Sheikh Ahmad Hanafy.

He also thanked his friends and family for their unwavering support, stating that they are the best anyone could ask for.

“Yesterday, I was bestowed with an islamic chieftaincy title of OSUPA ADINI , Ma’had Thaqofat Arabic and Islamic studies under the leadership of the chief host, Fadeelat Sheikh Ibrahim OMODOLA (Chief Imam of Araromi CENTRAL MOSQUE ) and the spiritual Father , FADEELAT SHEIKH AHMAD HANAFY.

‘I truly appreciate all of my friends and family for always standing by me, through thick and thin. You’re the best anyone could ask for,” he wrote on Instagram.

In a move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s education sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Aisha Garba, a renowned international development specialist, as the new Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

This was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Garba, a Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank, brings over 24 years of experience in advancing educational initiatives across Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Kenya, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Her extensive career has been marked by designing and managing impactful education programs, driving reforms, and fostering human and economic development.

With more than 15 years at the World Bank, Garba has demonstrated expertise in leading large-scale education reforms from inception to execution and impact evaluation.

She has also built a reputation for her work in fragile and conflict-prone environments, leveraging her skills and network to deliver sustainable education solutions.

Garba’s track record includes contributing to Nigeria’s achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in education.

She has also consulted for global organizations such as the Department for International Development (DFID), Regent Foundation, and Muslim Aid Organization, among others.

An alumna of Petra American University in Jordan, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and Computer Studies, Garba went on to obtain a Master’s in International Development from the University of Birmingham in the UK.

In her new role, President Tinubu expects Garba to lead UBEC in delivering the government’s vision of providing quality education for Nigerian children and enhancing their competitiveness on the global stage.

The appointment underscores Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s basic education sector as part of his broader agenda to inspire “Renewed Hope” for the nation’s future.

Israel plans to maintain “security control” in the Gaza Strip even after a ceasefire, Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday.

This means that after dismantling the military and administrative capabilities of the Palestinian militant Hamas organisation, Israel’s army would retain “full freedom of action,” akin to the situation in the West Bank, Mr Katz posted on social media platform X.

In the West Bank, Israeli troops regularly conduct raids in cities technically under the security control of the Palestinian authority.

“We will not tolerate any organisation of terror against Israeli communities and Israeli citizens from the Gaza Strip,” Mr Katz said. “We will not allow a return to the reality of before October 7.”

The massacre committed in Israel by Hamas and other militant groups from the coastal area on October 7 last year resulted in 1,200 deaths and more than 250 people abducted, triggering the Gaza war.

Since then, Israel has been fighting Hamas in Gaza, where, according to Palestinian sources, more than 45,000 people have been killed so far.

Hamas demands a complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip and an end to the war as conditions for a ceasefire.

However, Israel aims at all costs to prevent a resurgence of the Islamist organisation after the war.

The Iranian embassy in Damascus will remain closed for the time being following the political upheaval in Syria, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said in Tehran on Tuesday.

“A reopening of the Iranian embassy in Syria is not imminent, as this initially requires political and security-related preparations,” Esmail Baghaei said, according to the news agency ISNA.

He added that Iran will take the necessary steps once these concerns are resolved.

In the upheaval following the overthrow of long-time Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, insurgents stormed the Iranian embassy in Damascus and, according to Iranian media reports, thoroughly devastated it.

For Tehran, al-Assad was a strategically important ally in its self-declared resistance front against arch-enemy Israel.

Syria also served as a corridor for Iranian arms shipments to the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon.

Iran had, therefore, also generously supported al-Assad financially and militarily – and branded the Syrian alliance Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) now in control in Damascus as terrorists.

The Rajnandgaon police have arrested a Nigerian national, simply identified as Johnson, in India over an alleged marriage scam, Etvbharat has reported.

The suspect, said to be around 40 years old, allegedly wooed a Chhattisgarh woman using a fake profile he uploaded on a matrimonial website and duped her of Rs 15,72,000 after promising to marry her.

The police stated that the suspect, who had been secretly living in Delhi after the validity of his visa and passport expired, lured the victim through her profile and lied to her about being a UK-based businessman planning to move his business to India.

According to the police, the suspect reached out to the victim through an associate, falsely claiming he was stopped at Delhi airport and needed money to exchange UK currency in his possession.

The Additional Superintendent of Police of Rajnandgaon police station, Rahul Dev Sharma, said the suspect blackmailed and cheated the victim with the help of his accomplice.

Mr Sharma said the victim’s attempts to call the suspect afterwards failed as his phone was switched off, prompting her to realise she had been cheated and to lodge a fraud case against him at Dongargarh Police Cyber Cell.

“We started an investigation on the complaint of the applicant. With the help of a cyber cell, it was found that the accused lives in Delhi. Our team raided his Delhi accommodation and arrested him. Accused Johnson is a resident of Nigeria. He has cheated many girls so far. We are trying to gather further information through interrogation,” said Mr Sharma.

A laptop and four mobile phones have been recovered from the suspect, and his bank account has also been frozen

A 22-year-old woman was on Tuesday, arraigned in an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, over alleged stealing of gallons of palm oil.

The defendant, Confidence Onyekachi, is standing trial before the Magistrate L.K.J Layeni, on a one-count charge of stealing.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, ASP Simon Uche, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on December 10, at Market St. in Ojo.

She was alleged to have stolen six gallons of palm oil belonging to a nominal complainant, Amaka Okonkwo.

The goods were valued at N594, 000.

Mr Uche said the offence contravened the provisions of section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

The magistrate granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case to January 27, 2025 for mention.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Ademola Lookman, Super Eagles forward, on winning the 2024 CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year award.

Mr Tinubu also hailed Chiamaka Nnadozie, Super Falcons goalkeeper, for clinching the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

The president similarly commended the Super Falcons for being named the Women’s National Team of the Year, according to a statement on Monday by his media aide Bayo Onanuga.

“The awards were announced Monday night at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.

“The president joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating these athletes, describing them as worthy ambassadors for showcasing their talent and bringing honour to the country on the continental and world stage.

“The president believes that this recognition by Africa’s highest football authority will inspire other upcoming athletes to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams,” said the statement.

Mr Tinubu affirmed that their determination, discipline and confidence underscored the administration’s resolve to build a better Nigeria for everyone to thrive and succeed.

‘‘These athletes embody the essential Nigerian spirit. They signpost the best in us as a nation. Let no one ever write us off. I am incredibly proud of them. Thank you for making Nigeria proud and keeping our flag flying.

‘‘Thank you for winning medals for Nigeria both at home and abroad. You will win more in the future,’’ the president said.

President-elect Donald Trump will meet with the CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, as the Chinese company faces a nationwide ban in the U.S.

According to reports by CBS News, Mr Trump was expected to meet Mr Chew at his residence in Florida.

The meeting would be about the recent court order demanding that the social media giant be sold by its Chinese parent company ByteDance before 19 January or stop its operations in the country.

However, in a press conference on Monday, Mr Trump said his administration would “take a look at TikTok”, acknowledging the social media company’s impact during the November U.S. presidential election.

“I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because I won youth by 34 points. There are those that say that TikTok has something to do with that. TikTok had an impact,” Mr Trump stated.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the social media company wrote to the Supreme Court requesting that the ban be delayed to give it room to review the development and allow Mr Trump’s administration to look into the matter.

In its filing, the company insisted TikTok is “one of the most significant speech platforms” in the U.S., adding the ban would do ”immediate irreparable harm” to the company and its teeming users.

The law banning the social media platform in the U.S. was inspired by the alleged connections between ByteDance and the Chinese government, which the U.S. considers a significant threat to its national security.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has landed at the Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madina, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, the lesser hajj.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, announced the Vice President’s journey.

On arrival, Shettima was received by the Deputy Governor of Madina Region, Abdulmohsen Bin Nayef Bin Hamed, along with Nigerian diplomatic officials, including the Consulate General of Jeddah, Ambassador Mu’azzam Nayaya.

The Vice President will stay in Medina for a visit to the Holy Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and other holy sites before proceeding to Mecca where he will perform the Lesser Hajj (Umrah).

He is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in Jeddah on December 20.

Discussions at the meeting are expected to centre on co-financing arrangements for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ Phase II) as well as enhancing coordination of IsDB projects in Nigeria to support the country’s agricultural and economic development.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed eight permanent secretaries to fill existing and impending vacancies in the federal civil service.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the appointments, which aim to address administrative gaps while ensuring balanced representation across the country.

The newly appointed permanent secretaries are: Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu (Abia State), Ndiomu Ebiogeh Philip (Bayelsa), Anuma Ogbonnaya Nlia (Ebonyi), Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam (Enugu), Kalba Danjuma Usman (Gombe), Usman Salihu Aminu (Kebbi), Oyekunle Patience Nwakuso (Rivers), and Nadungu Gagare (Kaduna).

The appointments followed a thorough selection process supervised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The process identified candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to contribute to the effective administration of the civil service.

This marks the second set of permanent secretaries appointed by President Tinubu since his administration began.

In June, eight permanent secretaries were appointed from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Jigawa, Ondo, Zamfara, parts of the Southeast, and the Southsouth.

President Tinubu urged the newly appointed officials to continue to demonstrate diligence, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in their roles.

He emphasised the importance of their positions in ensuring efficient governance and driving the country’s development.

A former minister of sports and youth development Bolaji Abdullahi, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Abdullahi announced his intention to resign in a letter dated December 16 and addressed to the PDP ward chairman in Ubadawaki, Kwara state.

The ex-minister also said he is yet to decide which political platform to pitch tent with.

“The decision of what to do and where to go will be taken in the future that’s left to God,” he said.

In the resignation letter, Abdullahi said he reached the “difficult” decision after days of reflection and introspection.

“I write to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” the letter reads.

“I have had ample time to reflect, and I have come to the difficult conclusion that this is the only tenable option for me at this time.

“Mr. Chairman, please permit me to express, through you, my gratitude to the leadership of the party for the opportunities that I have had to serve the state and the country on its platform, and for the great moments we have shared.”

Abdullahi was the PDP candidate for the Kwara central senatorial district election in 2023. He lost the race to Salihu Mustapha of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A Jos Magistrates’ Court on Monday, sentenced a 20-year old tailor, Ahmad Garba to three months imprisonment for stealing six shirts and six trousers.

The Magistrate, Shawomi Bokkos, summarily tried and sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Bokkos in his judgment, ordered the convict to pay an option of N10, 000 fine or spend three months in prison.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Inspector Ijuptil Thiawur, told the court that the case was reported on November 17, at the “C” Division Police station by Usman Mohammed.

Thiawur said that the convict trespassed into the complainant’s house and stole six shirts and trousers and he was caught.

The police said that the offence contravened the Plateau Penal Code Law, NAN reports.

The US police on Sunday arrested a 16-year-old boy in New Mexico after an alleged quadruple homicide of his family members.

New Mexico State Police, in a statement said the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 emergency call before dawn on Saturday from a male minor who told the dispatcher he had killed his family.

It was gathered that when deputies arrived at the home, located in the city of Belen, the 16-year-old walked out of the residence with his hands in the air and was extremely intoxicated.

“Deputies entered the residence to find Leonardo Leyva, 42, Adriana Bencomo, 35, Adrian Leyva, 16, and Alexander Leyva, 14, all deceased from suspected gunshot wounds. A handgun was located on the kitchen table,” state police added.

A Belen official said that the victims are the suspect’s parents and two brothers.

The police said that the teen suspect has been charged on suspicion of four counts of first-degree murder.

A combined team of security operatives made up of the Nigeria Police force, Armed forces, Department of State Security Service, DSS and Nigeria Civil Defense have dismantled criminal hideouts responsible for incessant civil unrest in Ezioha, Eziama Autonomous Community in Mbaitoli LGA Imo State.

In a press statement made available to Journalists by the State Police Command’s public relations officer, ASP Henry Okoye, said the operation led to the killing of four suspects, the arrest of five, recovery of various firearms and other items linked to the suspects.

Okoye informed that the operation was made successful by the combined security outfits in their renewed effort to improve security and combat insurgency.

He pointed out that the various security agencies, under the auspices of “Operation Udoka”, have strengthened their operations to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.

The release revealed that the Commissioner of Police, CP, Aboki Danjuma and other service commanders conducted an assessment of the ongoing operation in Ezioha, Eziama Autonomous Community aimed at targeting criminal hideouts responsible for violent attacks and kidnappings in the region.

The police spokesperson hinted that the operation leading to the dismantling of the suspect’s hideouts was followed by a protracted gunfight with the terrorists disclosing that eight motorcycles, several dangerous weapons including explosive devices, and communication equipment linked to the suspects were recovered.

“The assessment, involved key security figures, including the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, Brigadier General U.A. Lawal, Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Air Commodore David Bello, Commander NAF 211 Quick Response Group, Owerri, Naval Commander Oguta, Commodore MB Salisu, the DSS Commander, the NSCDC Commander, and the SSA to the Governor on Security Affairs, Brig. Gen. Joseph Ogbonna (Rtd.). They commended the professionalism of the joint security operatives and stressed the importance of public cooperation in aiding the fight against crime by providing valuable intelligence,” he stated.

Okoye remarked that the operation followed an earlier ransacking of a similar criminal hideout in Aku within the month.

He further stated that the State Police Commissioner used the moment to reassure the people of the state that the security agencies were working in unison to protect the state.

“The CP. called on all citizens to work in partnership with law enforcement agencies to ensure a peaceful and secure environment throughout the holiday season.”Okoye further stated

A mayor in Mexico’s central San Luis Potosi state, who was a member of the ruling Morena party, was shot dead on Sunday along with three other people, local authorities said.

Jesus Eduardo Franco, mayor of Tancanhuitz municipality, and the three other victims were all found dead inside a vehicle, according to the state prosecutor’s office.”We deeply regret the death of our colleague Eduardo Franco, municipal president of Tancanhuitz,” Morena party president Rita Rodriguez wrote on X.

“We ask authorities to reach the ultimate consequences and find those responsible,” she added.

Dozens of local officials have been targeted in organised crime-related violence that has plagued Mexico in recent years.

Local media reported last month that Alejandro Arcos, a mayor in southern Guerrero state, was decapitated less than a week after taking office and his head placed on top of a pickup truck.

More than 450,000 people have been murdered and thousands have gone missing since the Mexican government deployed the army to combat drug trafficking in 2006, according to official figures.