René Bejarano (born 29 August 1959) is a Mexican politician affiliated with the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD). He served as a federal deputy in the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico from 2000 to 2003, representing the Federal District (Mexico City). Prior to his election, Bejarano was a close political associate and chief of staff to then‑Head of Government of Mexico City, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
In March 2004, a video recorded by journalist Carlos López Arias was released, showing Bejarano receiving a briefcase containing approximately US$45,000 from a businessman. The footage sparked a major political scandal known as the “video‑scandal” (or “video y el dinero”). The incident led to public protests, heightened scrutiny of corruption within Mexican politics, and contributed to the broader debate over political financing.
Following the scandal, Bejarano was investigated for illicit enrichment and money‑laundering. In 2005, he was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of improperly receiving public funds. He served part of his sentence before being granted parole in 2006, after which he resumed a low‑profile political role within the PRD.
Bejarano has remained a controversial figure in Mexican public life. While supporters argue that the video was part of a politically motivated attack against his ally López Obrador, critics cite the case as evidence of systemic corruption in the country's political institutions. No further criminal convictions have been recorded against him as of the latest available information.