Mexican cartel leader who faked his own death has been arrested in California, Justice Department says

A high-ranking member of Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa, who allegedly faked his death to evade authorities, has been arrested in California, the U.S. Justice Department announced on Thursday. Gutierrez-Ochoa, 37, is the son-in-law of the cartel’s notorious leader, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. Before his capture, Gutierrez-Ochoa had been on the run from Mexican authorities and had assumed a false identity, living in a luxury home in Riverside, California, under the name “Guacho.”

Gutierrez-Ochoa faces charges of international drug trafficking and money laundering. The Justice Department stated that the arrest was a significant blow to the cartel, which is known for being one of the most violent and prolific drug trafficking organizations in the world. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco praised the relentless efforts of law enforcement, noting that Gutierrez-Ochoa’s capture made the cartel weaker.

Prosecutors revealed that before going into hiding, Gutierrez-Ochoa played a key role in overseeing the trafficking of vast quantities of illegal drugs. He personally orchestrated the distribution of 40,000 kilograms of methamphetamine and 2,000 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico to the United States. Additionally, Gutierrez-Ochoa was allegedly involved in a kidnapping plot to release his mother-in-law, El Mencho’s wife, who had been arrested by Mexican authorities.

In a desperate move to avoid capture, Gutierrez-Ochoa was helped by El Mencho, who reportedly faked his death by telling associates that he had killed Gutierrez-Ochoa for lying. This deception allowed Gutierrez-Ochoa to escape to the U.S., where he resumed overseeing cartel activities. Once in California, the cartel set up an illegal tequila company and used it to purchase a $1.2 million home in Riverside for Gutierrez-Ochoa. Investigators claim that the CJNG used the tequila business to launder money from their drug operations.

For over a year, Gutierrez-Ochoa managed to live under the radar. Federal authorities claim that he was cautious, even conducting counter-surveillance to evade detection by agents who were monitoring him. Despite his efforts to remain undetected, he was eventually arrested on Tuesday, though details surrounding the arrest have not been disclosed.

This arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to dismantle the CJNG, a cartel involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking and money laundering. The Justice Department had previously charged El Mencho in 2022 for his involvement in manufacturing and distributing fentanyl for smuggling into the U.S., but he remains at large. The U.S. State Department has offered a reward of up to $10 million for information that leads to El Mencho’s arrest or conviction.

Gutierrez-Ochoa’s arrest adds to the growing list of high-profile cartel members who have been taken into custody in recent years. The CJNG, which has expanded its operations across Mexico and into the United States, continues to be a major focus of law enforcement. Authorities have highlighted the cartel’s use of various legitimate businesses, such as the fake tequila company, to disguise and launder the profits from their illegal activities.

As the investigation into the CJNG continues, federal agents are still piecing together the full extent of Gutierrez-Ochoa’s operations. His capture serves as a reminder of the lengths that cartel leaders will go to in order to evade justice and continue their criminal activities. The Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to target cartel leadership are critical to weakening the organization and dismantling its extensive network of drug trafficking and money laundering operations.