Mexico AG Links 'El Mayo' Zambada 'Kidnapping' to Ovidio Guzmán's U.S. Benefits

Mexico's Attorney General, Ernestina Godoy Ramos, has suggested a potential link between the "kidnapping" of Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and benefits recently granted to Ovidio Guzmán López, son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, in the United States. Godoy Ramos indicated that the proximity of these events raises suspicions of a connection.

According to the Attorney General, on July 23, 2024, Mexican authorities learned through media reports and diplomatic channels that Ovidio Guzmán, who was extradited from Mexico in September 2023, had been placed in a U.S. witness protection program. Two days later, on July 25, 2024, the U.S. Embassy notified Mexico of Guzmán's change in precautionary measures without prior consultation.

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Presumably, the kidnapping was the result of the change in precautionary measures, in addition to the fact that the government of that country received 17 relatives of Ovidio.

On that same day, July 25, an operation took place that resulted in the illegal extraction of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada from Mexico. The Attorney General stated that this operation, which began in Sinaloa and concluded in New Mexico, is currently under investigation by the FGR.

Godoy Ramos explained that the sequence and close timing of these events allow for the inference of possible links, potentially stemming from family ties and the involved criminal organizations. She noted that the "kidnapping" of Zambada is presumed to be a consequence of Guzmán's change in legal status, coupled with the U.S. government's reception of 17 of Guzmán's relatives. The FGR continues its investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding Zambada's transfer to U.S. territory.

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The sequence of these events allows us to infer, due to their temporal proximity, possible links derived from family relationships and the criminal organizations involved.