The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is in disarray after the removal of its leader. El Mencho, or Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, was killed by the Mexican army on Sunday, according to reports.
Oseguera Cervantes was initially wounded during an arrest operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. He died while being airlifted to Mexico City. With El Mencho’s departure, questions have arisen about what the CJNG’s leadership structure looks like and who could replace the feared cartel boss.
El Mencho possible alternatives
Notably, no replacement for El Mencho has been officially recognized by law enforcement bodies as the cartel reels from today’s actions. However, there are some candidates who could be kept an eye on.
One of them is Gonzalo Mendoza Gaitan or “El Sapo”. According to the Treasury Department, he is a senior CJNG member and head of Puerto Vallarta Plaza, and may now be in contention to be the top boss.
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Jessica Johanna Oseguera Gonzalez or “La Negra” may be in the running as well. She is the daughter of El Mencho and had previously handled some other work. However, she is behind bars after being sentenced in 2021 for running her father’s sushi and tequila business.
Rubén Oseguera González or “El Menchito” is another option. Despite his conviction, he is the son of El Mencho and served as second-in-command under his father, so a promotion may be on the cards.
Audias Flores Silva or “El Jardinero” may also be someone to keep an eye on. He has been described by the Treasury Department as the regional commander of the CJNG who is involved in “drug trafficking and violent activities.”
Notably, no single successor has been announced and this is based on previous evaluations of CJNG.
CJNG command structure explained
Until El Mencho’s death, he was the leader and president of the CJNG. Aside from that, there was his inner circle that included Juan Carlos Valencia González or “El Belon”, El Mencho’s stepson and the cartel’s de facto second-in-command.
With El Mencho gone and his sons condemned, El Belon may be about to become the next president as well.
Others include El Jardinero and El Sapo, who may also be in line for the throne. Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez, or “El Chorro”, is El Mencho’s son-in-law and also part of the inner circle.
CJNG’s financial arm is maintained by Los Cuinis, run by the González Valley family, which handles money laundering and international investments. The Treasury Department identified Erika Gonzalez Valencia as one of the Los Cuinis members assisting the CJNG.
The CJNG divides its territory into regional “arenas” spread across the states in which it is active. These arenas have appointed chiefs who report to the central command.
Chaos erupted after El Mencho’s killing with reports that he set up roadblocks for several hours by burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states.
