Who is 'El Pelón', the new CJNG leader for whom the US is offering 5 million dollars

The United States announced new sanctions on Thursday against more than 50 individuals or companies allegedly linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), among whom is Juan Carlos González, considered the leader of the criminal group since the death of his stepfather, Nemesio Oseguera, alias “El Mencho”, in Mexico last February.

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According to a statement from the Department of the Treasury, González —alias “El Pelón”— holds dual Mexican and American citizenship, and the United States is offering five million dollars for anyone who provides information leading to his capture.

The sanctions include the freezing of any assets the affected individuals may have in the United States or that come into contact with financial institutions under U.S. jurisdiction.

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The Department of the Treasury noted that this measure constitutes the largest individual action ever taken against the group, which was designated as a terrorist organization in February 2025 by the Donald Trump administration and is accused by the United States of widespread drug trafficking and numerous acts of violence.

The sanctions include individuals and companies that U.S. authorities consider involved in fentanyl and cocaine trafficking, fuel smuggling, and money laundering networks.

Some, like the man considered the cartel's second-in-command, Audias Flores Silva, alias “El Jardinero,” have been arrested this year by Mexico, but according to U.S. authorities, their financial networks remain in place and operational.

The Jalisco Cartel is currently considered the largest in Mexico, with a presence in 21 of its 32 states. Its operations have also extended to various countries, including the United States.

The current U.S. government has designated a total of eight Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations to increase action against them, including militarily, and against those it considers to be helping them. Additionally, it maintains continuous pressure on President Claudia Sheinbaum's government for her administration to produce more results in security.