A dominant Mexican criminal syndicate
Security forces have arrested Audias Flores Silva, known as El Jardinero, a top CJNG regional commander and potential successor to El Mencho. The operation followed months of surveillance and involved US-supplied intelligence. A second arrest related to Flores Silva’s money laundering network is reported. The arrests come as the cartel landscape remains volatile ahead of major events in the region.
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has privately warned Morena officials that any members credibly tied to corruption or cartel links must resign and face consequences, Reuters reports. The warning follows a U.S. indictment that has charged Sinaloa governor Rubén Rocha and other officials and has prompted arrests and sanctions tied to the Sinaloa cartel.
France is investigating a failure to act after the disappearance of Lyhanna, an 11-year-old girl, and the discovery of her body near Fleurance. A 41-year-old father is in custody as the key suspect, amid renewed concerns about prior sexual assault allegations and the handling of those cases.
Drones have been neutralized near World Cup venues and team camps as Mexico enforces Plan Kukulkán. Authorities warn spectators and participants; Canada and the U.S. remain on alert as violence linked to cartel activity and political risk continues to influence preparations across host cities.
Authorities from the US and Mexico are expanding efforts to combat cross-border crime, including sanctions against cartel-linked entities and measures targeting fuel theft networks that fund violence. The actions come as Washington and allied governments seek to disrupt illicit revenue streams and curb drug trafficking across the region.
The United States has designated the Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras as foreign terrorist organizations. The move, published in the Federal Register, expands the roster of Mexican criminal groups treated as terrorists amid ongoing U.S. pressure on Mexico over security and border policy.