After almost two decades in a maximum-security prison, Israel Vallarta, long accused of leading a notorious Mexican kidnapping ring, was released on Friday.
A judge ruled the evidence was insufficient to uphold the charges that had kept him behind bars since 2005.
Interior Secretary Rosa Icela RodrÃguez reviewed the long list of legal actions filed during Vallarta’s detention, including appeals and complaints, in a case that never reached a formal verdict.
The charges of organized crime and kidnapping were thrown out on Thursday, clearing the way for his release.
It is still unclear whether Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office will challenge the decision, as no immediate response has been given.
Vallarta and his then-girlfriend, Florence Cassez, a French national, were arrested in 2005.
Cassez was later sentenced to 60 years in prison for her alleged involvement in the same kidnapping group.
She admitted living at a ranch with Vallarta where kidnap victims were found, but denied knowing about the crimes. One victim identified her by voice only.
Controversy grew when it was revealed that police had staged a raid for the media the day after Cassez’s arrest, presenting it as a live rescue operation.
The event was widely broadcast and raised questions about due process.
Mexico’s Supreme Court eventually overturned Cassez’s conviction in 2013, citing serious violations of her legal rights.
She was released and returned to France, where her case drew major public interest.
Vallarta’s release now brings fresh attention to one of Mexico’s most disputed legal cases in recent history.