Mexico Opens Anti-Corruption Probe Into Economy Minister Ebrard Over Son's Six-Month Stay at London Diplomatic Residence

Mexico's Secretariat of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance opened a formal investigation into Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard after complaints were filed regarding his adult son Marcelo Patrick Ebrard living approximately six months (June 2021–January 2022) at Mexico's ambassador's residence in London while Ebrard served as Foreign Affairs Minister. His son reportedly had access to a butler, cook, and cleaning staff during the stay. The investigation was triggered automatically under Mexican law when the complaints were filed. Ebrard acknowledged the arrangement but denied misuse of public funds, calling it 'a father's concern.' President Sheinbaum confirmed the investigation at her April 23 press conference, saying the process is normal and that everyone must answer to the law. The probe is politically sensitive given Ebrard's central role in leading Mexico's USMCA negotiating team ahead of the formal May 25 bilateral round — raising questions about whether it could affect his position or negotiating authority. The revelations follow a string of governance controversies testing the Sheinbaum administration.