The United States Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on Juan Carlos Valencia González, identified as the new leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), along with more than 50 individuals and companies, including a tequila producer.
According to the Treasury Department, this is the largest action ever taken against the CJNG to dismantle “a broad range of criminal activities that benefit the CJNG across several Mexican states.”
The Treasury stated:
“Among those sanctioned is Juan Carlos González (alias ‘Pelón’), a dual Mexican and U.S. citizen, who became the cartel’s new leader following the recent death of his stepfather, the CJNG’s founder, Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias ‘El Mencho.’”
The Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) of Mexico also froze the assets of the 39 individuals and 16 companies sanctioned by U.S. authorities.
According to Mexico’s Ministry of Finance, the UIF identified financial, tax, and corporate indicators associated with possible money laundering activities.
“Based on financial, tax, and corporate analysis conducted in Mexico, the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) identified indicators related to possible operations involving illicit proceeds, including cash transactions, purchases of luxury vehicles, jewelry, and real estate, international transfers, extensive use of credit and charge cards, as well as transactions involving virtual assets. Possible inconsistencies were also detected between income reported to tax authorities and the financial resources observed within the financial system.”
Individuals and Companies Sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned individuals associated with two primary criminal networks, as well as other CJNG affiliates.
The “Jardinero” Network
The following individuals were sanctioned:
- César Alejandro Villaseñor (“El Güero Conta”), arrested in April 2026 and identified as one of the principal associates of Audías Flores Silva, alias “El Jardinero.”
- Karely Lizbeth Ramírez Banales, wife of El Jardinero.
- Areli Isis Medina Flores, cousin of El Jardinero.
- Gabriel Serrano Magaña, subordinate of Areli Medina.
- José Guadalupe Ruiz Bañuelos, pilot for El Jardinero.
- Joana Domínguez Aguilera, alleged CJNG member.
- Roberto Jiménez Arias, alleged CJNG member.
- Martha Alicia Alvarado Rodríguez, alleged CJNG member and wife of Roberto Jiménez Arias.
- Efraín Corona Pimentel, alleged CJNG member.
- Ángel Gabriel López Larios, alleged CJNG member.
- José Jesús Gutiérrez Valdez, accused of supervising several methamphetamine laboratories in Zacatecas.
- Fidel Damián Moreno López, alleged CJNG member.
The Treasury Department noted:
“Mexican authorities arrested El Jardinero on April 27, 2026; however, his network remains active and continues operating. In recent years, El Jardinero has maintained control over a significant territory in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Nayarit, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Zacatecas.”
Companies Sanctioned for Ties to El Jardinero
- Casa Tequilera El Origen del Tequila S.A. de C.V.
- El Almacén Licorería
- Stella Servicios Comerciales y Empresariales S.A. de C.V.
- Hurrari Kash S.A. Promotora de Inversión de C.V.
- Agropecuaria Amateq del Valle S.A. de C.V.
- Productores Vagu S.A. de C.V.
- Petrocoda
Regional CJNG Leaders Associated with El Jardinero
The following regional leaders (“Plaza Bosses”) were also sanctioned:
- José Octaviano García Martínez, regional leader in Florencia, Zacatecas.
- Cuauhtémoc Rivera Zepeda.
- Uriel Hernández Morales.
Gerardo Botello Rodríguez (“El Cachas”) Network
Gerardo Botello Rodríguez, known as “El Cachas,” is described as a senior CJNG member who was arrested in 2018. According to the Treasury Department, his network is operated by:
- Gustavo Botello Rodríguez, nephew of El Cachas, arrested in September 2025.
- William Geovanni Botello Rodríguez, nephew.
- Miguel Ángel Ayala Botello, cousin.
- Liliana Cisneros Tapia, wife of El Cachas and supervisor of Green Agropacific.
- Jesús David Botello Ortiz, son.
- Edgar Gerardo Botello Ortiz, son.
- Ricardo Botello Ortiz, son.
Companies Linked to El Cachas
- Bubux Baby Shoes S.A. de C.V.
- Green Agropacific S.P.R. de R.L. de C.V.
- Corporativo de Seguridad Privada Alfa y Gama S.A. de C.V.
- Rancho San Miguel Los Tres Hermanos S.P.R. de R.L. de C.V.
The Treasury Department stated:
“El Cachas was arrested in 2018 by the Government of Mexico while serving as a bodyguard for the wife of the CJNG’s historic leader. During his detention in Mexico, he was publicly linked to the sexual abuse of prison guards.”
Other Individuals and Companies Sanctioned for Alleged CJNG Ties
The following individuals and companies were also sanctioned:
- Feliciano Ledezma Ramírez (“Chano Limones”)
- Alma Laura Mena Alvarado
- José Mora León
- Strong Energy S.A. de C.V.
- Transic Logistic S.A. de C.V.
- Marcial Apolinar Díaz Robles
- Pedro Marcial Díaz Robles
- Jorge Zepeda Rodríguez
- Salvador Israel Rodríguez Flores
- Jorge Villa Sánchez
- Adolfo Gabriel Medina Chavira
- Jorge Fernando Cruz Cabrera
- Julio César Castellanos Ceja
- Luis Mario Mendoza García
- Hugo Alejandro Sánchez Tamayo.
Source: radioformula
