Authorities arrest alleged Los Rusos gang leader in central Mexico

Mexican federal authorities arrested an alleged leader of a criminal cell linked to Los Rusos during an operation at a property in Lomas de Angelópolis, Puebla, according to the Security Cabinet.

The detainee was identified as Govén Ulises Chávez Ramírez, known as El Amarillo. Authorities described him as a priority target and said the cell operated mainly in the Diamante area of Acapulco, in the neighboring state of Guerrero. Two men identified as suspected bodyguards were arrested with him.

The operation involved the Attorney General’s Office, the Navy and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection. The National Intelligence Center supported the investigation, which was coordinated with authorities in Puebla and Guerrero. Officials said investigators were examining a group linked to drug-related crimes, kidnapping and extortion.

A control judge issued a search warrant after authorities identified the property as a location used by members of the cell. The operation resulted in the seizure of weapons, drugs and luxury vehicles. Officials did not specify the types, calibers or quantities.

Federal sources separately said Chávez Ramírez had an arrest warrant for aggravated homicide. Authorities said the detainees were informed of their rights and handed over, along with the seized items, to prosecutors, who must determine their legal status. Los Rusos had also been linked to a threat that prompted the United States to issue a security alert for Mexicali on Aug. 25, later joined by Canada. Mexican authorities said at the time they had no evidence of a specific or imminent risk to the public.