A power struggle is underway after the death of cartel boss ‘El Mencho’ to see who will take over the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
‘El Mencho’, whose real name is Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, was killed in the western state of Jalisco this weekend, sparking widespread mayhem in Mexico.
There could be some infighting for who takes the title of cartel leader after the death of the feared cartel leader.
His son, Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez – or ‘El Menchito’ – is in an American prison. El Mencho only has one other son and a stepson, both of whom are said to lack the experience needed to head up the criminal sect.
‘La Jefa’ – which translates to ‘the boss’ – is Rosalinda González Valencia, 63, the ex-wife of El Mencho, and is believed to be in the fray of developments due to her ongoing role in the cartel.
El Mencho, who shares three children with his ex-wife, had been linked to other romantic partners after his split from Valencia in 2018.
One of these children is Jessica Johanna Oseguera Gonzalez – known as ‘La Negra’, who has previously been jailed for money laundering.
Both Jessica and her mum have kept lower profiles after being jailed briefly for laundering money for the cartel.
Now, there are suggestions that Valencia could be poised to take over the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, given her decades of experience in money laundering and her work alongside her ex-husband.
Valencia was no stranger to the world of crime, being the niece of cartel leader ‘El Maradona’, who founded the Milenio cartel – which eventually split to form what’s now known as the Jalicso New Generation Cartel.
If ‘La Jefa’ and her daughter, ‘La Negra’, join forces, they could become some of the most powerful ‘narco queens’ in Mexico.
Valencia is thought to have been the financial brains of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, pouring dirty money into shell companies and hospitality ventures to cover up illicit profits.
But a female leader of such a militarised and fractured cartel might be unlikely.
Yesterday, Mexico City-based security consultant David Saucedo told CNN: ‘It’s likely that one of four or five top commanders will emerge as the next leader.’
Formed in 2009, the CJNG has become known for its aggressive tactics and attacks on the military, including on helicopters.
The heavily armed group became pioneers in launching explosives from drones and installing mines in turf wars.
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