Muralist declares as “victim witness” in case of alleged fraud in Inbal

A new chapter is added to the case of alleged fraud in the School of Artistic Initiation 1 (EIA1) of the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (Inbal): the painter and teacher Polo Castellanos – as he announced The Day– He went yesterday to give a statement before the Attorney General’s Office (FGR).

Specifically, before the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Corruption, although as a witness and not a complainant, since it is a different process than the complaint filed in June 2025 before the FGR.

On this occasion, as informed by that judicial body during the proceedings, it has to do with an investigation into “alleged internal corruption” in Inbal.

The complaint filed by Castellanos in June of last year was for alleged fraud committed at that institute, after, from February 2024 to April 2025, the EIA1 kept him on its payroll, issuing tax receipts in his name, even though he never worked at that school.

The vouchers, according to the complaint, would have been collected through checks with his forged signature, a situation that was ratified by the Inbal authorities in an official letter issued last year. The forgery of his signature was also done with the renewal of his contract and an alleged resignation from that educational center.

In his appearance yesterday, which lasted several hours, it was officially established that Castellanos is both the complainant and the victim of the events. Therefore, he testified before the Public Ministry as a “victim witness,” which was recorded in the file, the artist and teacher stressed.

In an interview, he stated that he reviewed “in detail” the events that he had reported in his complaint to the FGR: “I repeated everything that I stated in my complaint. So, they continue the ongoing investigation and will determine the judicialization of the case.”

He also learned, as he indicated, that the investigation by the prosecutor’s office specialized in combating corruption began in October of last year, and not in April, as Inbal stated on Monday in an informative note.

Regarding the investigation file, he was told that the prosecution is in an investigation stage and is exploring all possible lines, which is why he may be required again to expand his statement, if the investigation requires it.

Castellanos pointed out that the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office is focused more on institutional issues and officials than on individuals or citizens. “That’s why I’m here as a witness,” he said.

Regarding his complaint to the FGR, which he presumes is “bogged down” in one of the offices of the Mexico City Prosecutor’s Office to which it was sent, he announced that he will analyze with his lawyers what is the best way to proceed.