Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, identified by U.S. authorities as one of the main leaders of the “Los Chapitos” faction of the Sinaloa cartel, has allegedly been in contact with U.S. officials to negotiate a possible surrender.
That was revealed in a report published by the Los Angeles Times, which cites “two sources familiar with the ongoing cases” who say the conversations with U.S. authorities have been taking place for approximately a year.
The report indicates that one of his brothers is also participating in these talks, in a context marked by plea agreements and cooperation between cartel members and the U.S. government.
Te podría interesar
The investigation is unfolding alongside the indictment filed in the Southern District of New York against Rubén Rocha Moya and nine other current and former officials from his administration.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Rocha Moya is accused of allegedly collaborating with the Sinaloa cartel and allowing the criminal organization to operate “with impunity” after receiving electoral support through acts of intimidation and violence.
ALSO READ: This is how the operation and accident unfolded in which U.S. and Mexican agents died in Chihuahua
The indictment places Iván Archivaldo Guzmán as a key figure within that criminal structure. According to U.S. authorities, the leader of “Los Chapitos” allegedly ordered violent actions to influence the 2021 election in Sinaloa.
The case has generated political repercussions in both Mexico and the United States due to the level of officials allegedly involved.
The report also details how several members of the Sinaloa cartel have reached agreements or entered cooperation processes with U.S. authorities.
One of them is Joaquín Guzmán López, who, according to Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada’s account, participated in the kidnapping and handover of the longtime cartel leader to U.S. authorities.
Guzmán López later reached a plea agreement in which he acknowledged acting with the expectation of receiving judicial benefits in exchange for cooperation.
Meanwhile, Ovidio Guzmán López has remained in U.S. custody since 2023 and also pleaded guilty to several drug trafficking-related charges. Court documents indicate he is cooperating with federal authorities.
At the center of the case is Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, who was transferred to the United States after his alleged kidnapping.
During statements before a federal court in Brooklyn, Zambada acknowledged that the cartel’s operations depended on bribes paid to police commanders, military officials, and political actors in order to maintain freedom of operation.
The case file also mentions the murder of Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda, a political rival of Rocha Moya, allegedly committed during the events linked to Zambada’s transfer to U.S. territory.
Claims That “El Mayo” Zambada Reached a Deal With the U.S. Are Denied
Also mentioned is Mauro Alberto Núñez Ojeda, a pilot linked to Iván Archivaldo, who pleaded guilty in the United States and admitted working for the leader of “Los Chapitos” in operations involving the transportation of drugs, weapons, and aircraft supervision.
Zambada’s attorney, Frank Perez, denied that his client has a cooperation agreement with U.S. authorities and described those reports as “categorically false.”
Meanwhile, the investigation remains ongoing, and U.S. authorities have warned that additional charges could be filed against other officials allegedly linked to the criminal network.
Context
The information regarding “Los Chapitos” comes amid the Department of Justice’s indictment against 10 Sinaloa officials allegedly linked to the cartel, with licensed Governor Rubén Rocha Moya identified as the main official accused of ties to the criminal group.
djh