As we mentioned, one of the suspects is an employee at the Immigration Department which means there was some inside collusion. That's a vindication of sorts for outgoing Immigration Director Jose Carmen Zetina. Zetina says he has maintained all along that it was someone from the inside. But is the vindication too late for Zetina, he must leave the office at the end of the year. He today told us that if he had a choice, he would keep his job.
Jose Carmen Zetina, Director of Immigration
"From what the police has mentioned it is that, yes, it would seem to be an inside job because of where the passports were found and the connection of it with an employee of the department."
Keith Swift,
You're leaving the Immigration Department at the end of the year, is it because of this situation with the missing passport?
Jose Carmen Zetina,
"Well I don't think it is a matter or a question of missing passports, it is a question of contract. I am a contract officer and as you know, I have given at least 30 to 39 years to the public service and I think the government feels like it is time that I to move on."
Keith Swift,
Do you feel it is time that you move on?
Jose Carmen Zetina,
"Well I don't think, I might not think that it is time but it is the government's decision whenever they decide to relieve me."
Keith Swift,
Would you like to stay?
Jose Carmen Zetina,
"I don't...as I mentioned before I can give any type of service once I am capable of doing it, once I am medically fit. I don't have a problem."
Keith Swift,
Do you feel your contract is not being renewed because of the situation with the passport?
Jose Carmen Zetina,
"I did not ask for renewal nor was renewal offered. My position is that I will serve at the pleasure of government."
Zetina's contract is up at the end of the year. Police stressed during this afternoon's briefing that they don't believe there is any connection between the theft of these 100 passports and the 200 which were stolen in 2005.
