David George Wins Appeal For Mexican State of Veracruz

Baker • Wotring LLP partner David George has won an appeal on behalf of the Mexican State of Veracruz. In the lawsuit, Veracruz alleged that the defendants assisted its former governor in stealing millions of dollars in government money and laundering the stolen money through shell companies. The defendants sought to dismiss the case under the Texas Citizens Participation Act, Texas’ anti-SLAPP statute. In a precedent-setting opinion, the Fourteenth Court of Appeals in Houston held that the statute does not apply to conspiracies to steal public funds. The Court of Appeals held that Veracruz’s lawsuit can continue. The case is Jose Bandin, et al. v. Free and Sovereign State of Veracruz; Case No. 14-18-00752-CV; In the Fourteenth Court of Appeals at Houston, Texas.