Organized Crime

17
Nov 2021
12:28 UTC

Mexico Alert: Authorities arrest wife of CJNG leader ‘El Mencho’ in Zapopan, Jalisco on November 15; violent retaliatory attacks likely

Please be advised

  • On November 15, authorities arrested Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia, the wife of one of Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion’s (CJNG) top leaders and the most wanted criminal in the country, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias ‘El Mencho’, in Zapopan, Jalisco. Rosalinda has been arrested for her alleged involvement in the illicit financial operations of the CJNG. 
  • Rosalinda was previously arrested in 2018 on money laundering charges, but was later released in the same year on bail.  
  • Zapopan and neighboring municipalities are on a high alert following Rosalinda’s arrest.  
  • On November 16, two security officials were kidnapped near a shopping center in Zapopan. Preliminary reports indicate that both belong to the Puerto Vallarta unit in Jalisco of the Armada de Mexico, the country’s naval forces, and were not involved in Rosalinda’s arrest. 

Assessments & Forecast

  1. The arrest is likely indicative of authorities’ efforts to target the CJNG’s leadership in their stronghold areas, and in turn, curb the escalating violence in Jalisco and other organized crime-affected areas. Given Rosalinda’s familial connections, officials will look to spearhead operations to locate El Mencho, who is known to be one of the founding members of the CJNG, and is among the most wanted criminals in both Mexico and the USA. Additionally, given Rosalinda and her family’s reportedly high net worth that has supported the group’s operations in the region, the arrest is likely to have also targeted the CJNG’s financial networks in Jalisco.  
  2. Should the authorities launch targeted operations seeking El Mencho’s capture, who is thought to be hiding in Jalisco, high-impact armed clashes between the police and CJNG can be expected in and around his hideout location in the state. The kidnapping of the two navy personnel in Zapopan immediately after Rosalinda’s arrest is also highly likely to have been perpetrated by the CJNG, given precedent of similar instances occurring after high-profile arrests.
  3. FORECASTDespite the tightened security measures in Zapopan following the arrest, particularly in the Puerta de Hierro neighborhood, retaliatory tactics by the CJNG in the form of kidnappings and violent attacks against security forces may likely witness an uptick in the near term. Such retaliatory attacks may culminate in the form of explosive attacks on police establishments in the state, which are often located in public areas, and also violent clashes in public spaces, heightening the latent threat posed to civilian bystanders. With this, Jalisco’s security situation is likely to remain deteriorated in the near-to-medium term.  

Recommendations

  1. Those operating or residing in Mexico are advised to avoid all travel to Jalisco due to threats posed by organized criminal groups. 
  2. Those continuing to operate in the region are advised to maintain comprehensive security plans in the event of an attack and maintain vigilance for organized criminal activity across the state, which is unpredictable and can escalate quickly. 
  3. If suspicious behavior or items are witnessed, leave the area immediately. 
  4. Travel to Mexico can continue in accordance with COVID-19 regulations and while remaining cognizant of the high threat of violent crime. 
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL High
AFFECTED AREA Jalisco, Mexico
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL High
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible

Please be advised

  • On November 15, authorities arrested Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia, the wife of one of Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion’s (CJNG) top leaders and the most wanted criminal in the country, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias ‘El Mencho’, in Zapopan, Jalisco. Rosalinda has been arrested for her alleged involvement in the illicit financial operations of the CJNG. 
  • Rosalinda was previously arrested in 2018 on money laundering charges, but was later released in the same year on bail.  
  • Zapopan and neighboring municipalities are on a high alert following Rosalinda’s arrest.  
  • On November 16, two security officials were kidnapped near a shopping center in Zapopan. Preliminary reports indicate that both belong to the Puerto Vallarta unit in Jalisco of the Armada de Mexico, the country’s naval forces, and were not involved in Rosalinda’s arrest. 

Assessments & Forecast

  1. The arrest is likely indicative of authorities’ efforts to target the CJNG’s leadership in their stronghold areas, and in turn, curb the escalating violence in Jalisco and other organized crime-affected areas. Given Rosalinda’s familial connections, officials will look to spearhead operations to locate El Mencho, who is known to be one of the founding members of the CJNG, and is among the most wanted criminals in both Mexico and the USA. Additionally, given Rosalinda and her family’s reportedly high net worth that has supported the group’s operations in the region, the arrest is likely to have also targeted the CJNG’s financial networks in Jalisco.  
  2. Should the authorities launch targeted operations seeking El Mencho’s capture, who is thought to be hiding in Jalisco, high-impact armed clashes between the police and CJNG can be expected in and around his hideout location in the state. The kidnapping of the two navy personnel in Zapopan immediately after Rosalinda’s arrest is also highly likely to have been perpetrated by the CJNG, given precedent of similar instances occurring after high-profile arrests.
  3. FORECASTDespite the tightened security measures in Zapopan following the arrest, particularly in the Puerta de Hierro neighborhood, retaliatory tactics by the CJNG in the form of kidnappings and violent attacks against security forces may likely witness an uptick in the near term. Such retaliatory attacks may culminate in the form of explosive attacks on police establishments in the state, which are often located in public areas, and also violent clashes in public spaces, heightening the latent threat posed to civilian bystanders. With this, Jalisco’s security situation is likely to remain deteriorated in the near-to-medium term.  

Recommendations

  1. Those operating or residing in Mexico are advised to avoid all travel to Jalisco due to threats posed by organized criminal groups. 
  2. Those continuing to operate in the region are advised to maintain comprehensive security plans in the event of an attack and maintain vigilance for organized criminal activity across the state, which is unpredictable and can escalate quickly. 
  3. If suspicious behavior or items are witnessed, leave the area immediately. 
  4. Travel to Mexico can continue in accordance with COVID-19 regulations and while remaining cognizant of the high threat of violent crime. 
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL High
AFFECTED AREA Jalisco, Mexico
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL High
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible