The United States Department of Justice has unveiled criminal charges against eight senior members of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), accompanied by reward offers exceeding KSh 13 billion (USD 100 million) for information leading to their arrest or conviction.

The announcement came on 6 August 2026, as part of ongoing efforts following the death of the cartel's former leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," who was killed during a Mexican military operation earlier this year.

Fugitives and Rewards

  • Juan Carlos Valencia González (41), aka "Pelón," El Mencho's stepson and alleged new cartel leader, has the highest reward of KSh 3.2 billion (USD 25 million).
  • Audias Flores Silva (45), "Jardinero," Hugo Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán (37), "Sapo," and Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez (49), "Chorro," each have rewards of KSh 1.9 billion (USD 15 million).
  • Julio César Montero Pinzón (44), "Tarjetas," Carlos Andrés Rivera Varela (40), "La Firma," and Ricardo Ruiz Velasco (42), "RR," are each offered KSh 1.3 billion (USD 10 million).
  • Griselda Margarita Arredondo Pinzón (36) has a reward of KSh 258 million (USD 2 million).

Charges and Allegations

The accused face multiple charges including narcotics manufacturing and distribution conspiracy, with some implicated in an international timeshare fraud scheme targeting American investors in Mexico, causing significant financial losses.

Additionally, Montero Pinzón and Rivera Varela are alleged leaders of the cartel's "Grupo Elite," a heavily armed enforcement group equipped with rocket launchers and heavy machine guns.

If convicted, the defendants could face up to two consecutive life sentences.

US Government Statement

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the administration's commitment to justice, stating the rewards signify a firm stance against cartel fugitives regardless of their location.

The CJNG was designated a foreign terrorist organisation by the US State Department in February 2025, underscoring the gravity of the threat posed by its operations.