Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas, one of the nation's wealthiest individuals with a fortune estimated at $7.5 billion, has taken action to prevent his arrest in the United States. Salinas posted a $25 million bond to avoid incarceration over an alleged debt owed by some of his companies to AT&T Inc. This development stems from a long-running legal battle following AT&T's acquisition of Salinas's Mexican telecom business in 2014.

The dispute originated from a 2020 lawsuit filed by AT&T, alleging that it was owed money related to unpaid taxes dating back to the period of previous ownership. Salinas's companies contested these claims but ultimately lost the case, leading to a finding of contempt of court. When this finding did not result in payment, New York State Supreme Court Judge Andrea Masley escalated the matter by finding Salinas personally in contempt. Judge Masley ordered Salinas to either pay AT&T $20 million within a two-week period or face imprisonment until the debt was settled. The order also extended to Francisco Borrego, a key operative and general counsel for Salinas's companies, with Judge Masley starkly noting, "Incarceration in Rikers. Not a pleasant place."

In response to the judicial ultimatum, Salinas and his companies jointly posted a $25 million bond before the two-week deadline, thereby avoiding immediate arrest. However, they are simultaneously appealing the court's ruling. Ricardo Salinas, known for his ownership of the electronics retailer Elektra, along with other significant enterprises such as TV Azteca and Banco Azteca, is also a prominent and vocal critic of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. He has been embroiled in ongoing disputes with the Mexican government over allegations of billions in unpaid taxes, claims which the business magnate vehemently disputes.

Beyond the legal pressures in the US and the tax controversies in Mexico, Grupo Salinas is also contending with challenges from bondholders of TV Azteca who have not received payments on their debt. Grupo Salinas recently issued a statement indicating its openness to dialogue with these bondholders regarding potential debt restructuring strategies. This complex web of legal and financial challenges highlights a turbulent period for the Mexican billionaire and his extensive business empire.