El Mencho’s Killing Sparks Violence Across Mexico, Regulators Highlight Cartel Crypto Use
One of the world’s most wanted drug lords is dead. Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was killed on Sunday. His death triggered a wave of violence across several Mexican states.
Beyond the security impact, attention is also turning to the cartel’s financial operations. In recent years, regulators and researchers have documented how Mexican criminal networks have incorporated cryptocurrency into their operations.
Who was El Mencho?El Mencho was among Mexico’s most wanted fugitives and the leader of the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) cartel. According to the US Department of State, the CJNG was formed in 2009. It has since evolved into one of the most violent drug cartels in Mexico.
“It has been assessed to have the highest cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine trafficking capacity in Mexico, and over the past few years, includes the trafficking of fentanyl into the United States,” the text reads.
On February 20, 2025, the United States officially designated the cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
In addition, the US State Department had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to the capture or conviction of El Mencho. He was killed on Sunday during a military operation.
El Mencho Reward Poster. Source: US Department of State
Following his death, unrest spread across parts of the country. According to the BBC, at least 20 states experienced disturbances as cartel members blocked roads and torched vehicles and businesses.