US Prosecutors Seek $15 Billion Forfeiture from Ex-Sinaloa Cartel Leader 'El Mayo' Zambada

Federal prosecutors in New York are seeking a court order to confiscate $15 billion from Mexican drug lord Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, following his guilty plea to drug trafficking and organized crime charges. The U.S. Attorney's Office has asked a judge to impose this massive forfeiture alongside a life sentence, which Zambada is scheduled to receive on July 20.

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It would be difficult to exaggerate the magnitude of the defendant's crimes and the scale of the corruption, violence, and other evils that he propagated throughout Mexico, the United States, and the world.

Zambada, 76, once considered a principal leader of the powerful Sinaloa Cartel, pleaded guilty in August 2025. Prosecutors described his crimes as having propagated "corruption, violence and other evils" across Mexico, the United States, and the world, labeling him one of the most "prolific and powerful" narcos in history.

The prosecution also voiced disagreement with Zambada's recent plea to avoid maximum-security prisons and ensure his health needs are met during his sentence. While not objecting to the court considering his medical condition when deciding on confinement recommendations, prosecutors emphasized the "serious security risks" he represents. They warned that the prisons suggested by his defense might be inappropriate, noting his continued connections, including a son who leads a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.

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would not object to the court considering the defendant's medical conditions when deciding a recommendation for his confinement, but asks to recognize the serious security risks he represents.

Prosecutors highlighted the substantial risk that Zambada could continue to direct cartel activities from prison. They pointed out that the Federal Bureau of Prisons is responsible for designating his confinement facility and will conduct its own assessment of his health and security risks. The requested $15 billion forfeiture reflects additional earnings beyond the $12.6 billion ordered for Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, accounting for Zambada's "reign" as a cartel leader.

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there is a substantial risk that this could continue to direct the group from prison in the future.