El Mencho's Death Sparks Violence and Raises Concerns Over Cartel Cryptocurrency Use

The death of El Mencho, leader of Mexico's Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) cartel, has sent shockwaves across the country.

El Mencho was one of Mexico's most wanted fugitives, with a $15 million reward offered by the US for his capture or conviction. He was killed during a military operation on Sunday, February 22.

The CJNG cartel is known for its involvement in cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine trafficking, as well as fentanyl production. The US had designated the cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2025 due to its activities.

Regulators have been tracking the cartel's use of cryptocurrency for financial operations. According to Chainalysis, suspected China-based chemical traders received over $37.8 million in cryptocurrency between 2018 and 2023, with major Mexican cartels like CJNG involved as buyers of precursor chemicals.