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EE.UU. ofrece $100M por 8 jefes del CJNG: La caza más cara de la historia
US Offers Over $100 Million in Rewards to Catch Top Leaders of Mexico’s Jalisco Cartel
What Just Happened?
The United States government just made a big announcement: they are offering more than $100 million total in reward money for information that helps capture eight high-ranking leaders of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
This happened during a press conference led by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). They also announced new criminal charges against these eight individuals.
Important Point: The CJNG was officially designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by President Donald Trump in February 2025. This gives the US government more legal tools to go after the group.
Who Are the "Most Wanted" Leaders?
The rewards are tiered based on how important each leader is believed to be. Here is the breakdown:
Tier 1: The Top Boss — $25 Million
| Name | Alias | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Carlos Valencia González | El Pelón | Stepson of the cartel’s founder, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes ("El Mencho"). The US believes he is the current top leader of the cartel. |
Tier 2: Senior Operators — $15 Million Each
| Name | Alias | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Audias Flores Silva | Jardinero | Arrested in Mexico in April 2026. The US is likely seeking his extradition. |
| Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez | Chorro | At large. |
| Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán | Sapo | At large. |
Tier 3: Regional Leaders — $10 Million Each
| Name | Alias |
|---|---|
| Ricardo Ruiz Velasco | Tripa |
| Julio César Montero Pinzón | El Tarjetas |
| Carlos Andrés Rivera Varela | La Firma |
Tier 4: Lower-Level Leader — $2 Million
| Name | Alias |
|---|---|
| Griselda Margarita Arredondo Pinzón | (No widely known alias listed) |
Important Point: All eight are charged with drug trafficking. Some also face charges for money laundering conspiracy (hiding the money they make from drugs).
Why Is the US Doing This Now?
According to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, this is a continuation of a long-term strategy:
"This is again a continuation of our efforts to eliminate the cartels that have plagued this country for too long."
The US government says the CJNG:
- Produces and smuggles massive amounts of drugs (like fentanyl and meth) into the US.
- Uses "extreme violence" to control territory and scare enemies.
- Is one of the most violent criminal groups in the Americas.
What Is Happening in Mexico?
The US isn’t acting alone. The Mexican government has also been taking action:
- "El Mencho" is Dead: The cartel’s founder, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes ("El Mencho"), died in February 2026 during a Mexican military operation in Jalisco state.
- Cartel Still Active: Despite the leader’s death, the Mexican government admits the CJNG still operates in many regions.
- More Than Just Drugs: The cartel has diversified into:
- Kidnapping
- Extortion (forcing people to pay "protection" money)
- Human trafficking
- Fuel theft (known locally as huachicol — stealing gasoline/oil from pipelines).
How Is the US Trying to Cut Off Their Money?
Arresting leaders is only one part of the plan. The US Treasury Department has been sanctioning businesses in Mexico accused of being part of the CJNG’s financial network.
Think of it like this: If the cartel is a car, the leaders are the drivers, but the money is the gas. Sanctions try to cut the fuel line so the car stops running.
Summary
- The News: US offers $100M+ in total rewards for 8 CJNG leaders.
- Top Target: Juan Carlos Valencia González ("El Pelón") — $25 Million reward. Believed to be the current boss.
- Key Arrest: "Jardinero" ($15M reward) was already caught in Mexico (April 2026).
- Charges: Drug trafficking + Money laundering.
- Context: CJNG labeled a Terrorist Organization (Feb 2025). Founder "El Mencho" died Feb 2026.
- Strategy: Carrot (Rewards) + Stick (Charges/Sanctions) to dismantle the group.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does "Foreign Terrorist Organization" mean?
It is a legal label the US State Department puts on foreign groups that engage in terrorism. It makes it a crime for Americans to give them money, training, or support, allows the US to freeze their assets, and bars members from entering the US.
2. Can I claim the reward if I know where they are?
Yes, potentially. The US State Department runs the Rewards for Justice program. You usually submit a tip through their secure website or a US embassy. You can often remain anonymous. If your info leads to an arrest/conviction, you may get paid.
3. What happens to "Jardinero" now that he is arrested in Mexico?
He is in Mexican custody. The US will likely file a formal extradition request to have him sent to the US to face the new charges announced this week. This legal process can take months or years.
4. Will the cartel collapse without "El Mencho"?
Not necessarily. Criminal groups often have succession plans. "El Pelón" (the stepson) was already positioned to take over. The cartel has a franchise-like structure with semi-independent cells, making it resilient but also prone to internal fighting.
5. What is "Huachicol"?
It is a Mexican slang term for fuel theft. Criminal groups tap into government pipelines illegally, steal gasoline/diesel, and sell it on the black market. It is a multi-billion dollar business for cartels like CJNG.
