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The United States has announced criminal charges against five senior members of Mexico’s powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), while increasing financial rewards for information leading to the capture of the group’s top leaders to more than $100 million.
The indictments were announced at a press conference by Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche, who said the accused cartel members were involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, weapons procurement, money laundering and violent attacks.
“These cartel members have been charged with a range of crimes including running drug networks, organising highly trained hitmen responsible for murders, procuring weapons, money laundering and deadly drug manufacturing and distribution,” Blanche said.
CJNG, known by its Spanish acronym, has been described by US authorities as one of the most powerful and violent criminal organisations operating internationally. The cartel was designated a “foreign terrorist organisation” by the Trump administration last year and has been accused of trafficking large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine across borders.
Alongside the new indictments, the US State Department announced an increase in reward offers for information leading to the arrest of key CJNG figures. The total value of the rewards now exceeds $100 million, with the largest increase targeting Juan Carlos Gonzalez, also known as “Pelon”, who is accused of taking control of the cartel following the death of its founder, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera.
The State Department also imposed visa restrictions on 65 individuals described as family members or close associates of people linked to the cartel.
The latest measures follow previous US sanctions targeting more than 50 Mexican individuals and organisations accused of helping CJNG leaders hide assets, launder money or maintain business networks.
Oseguera was captured during a Mexican military operation in Jalisco state in February but died from injuries sustained during the operation while being transported to a hospital. His death triggered a wave of violence, with cartel members carrying out attacks that included road blockades and the burning of vehicles and buildings across 20 of Mexico’s 32 states.
More than 70 people were killed during the unrest, with most of the deaths recorded in Jalisco. The latest US action represents a major escalation in efforts to disrupt CJNG’s leadership and financial networks.
