{"id":2381,"date":"2026-08-06T10:40:35","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T10:40:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=2381"},"modified":"2026-08-06T10:40:35","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T10:40:35","slug":"us-offers-25-million-reward-targeting-us-citizen-who-reportedly-leads-mexicos-most-powerful-cartel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=2381","title":{"rendered":"US offers $25 million reward targeting US citizen who reportedly leads Mexico\u2019s most powerful cartel"},"content":{"rendered":"
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MEXICO CITY (AP) \u2014 The U.S. government on Wednesday offered a $25 million reward for information leading to the capture of Juan Carlos Gonz\u00e1lez, or \u201cPel\u00f3n,\u201d scaling up pressure on a U.S. citizen who has emerged as the figurehead of Mexico\u2019s<\/span> most powerful cartel.<\/p>\n

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The reward was bumped up from $5 million. The Trump administration offered a total of $100 million in rewards for various leaders of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, and restricted the visas of family members and business associates of cartel members. <\/p>\n

U.S. officials said the rewards, along with newly unsealed charges against five other high-ranking leaders, were aimed at crippling the organization\u2019s leadership while President Donald Trump<\/span> has ramped up pressure on Mexico and other Latin American nations to carry out his security agenda.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese sophisticated organizations use violence and fear to maintain control over the importation of deadly narcotics in the United States, including fentanyl, cocaine, meth, and other illegal drugs. Their actions spread violence and death to our communities,\u201d acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told reporters in Washington.<\/p>\n

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CJNG is among eight Mexican cartels designated as a foreign terrorist organization.<\/span> The group was dealt a blow in February when leader Nemesio Rub\u00e9n Oseguera Cervantes, or \u201cEl Mencho.\u201d was killed by the Mexican military<\/span>. The U.S. provided intelligence for the operation, which resulted in a burst in violence in the state of Jalisco.<\/p>\n

Gonz\u00e1lez, Oseguera Cervantes\u2019s stepson and a dual Mexican and U.S. citizen, is reported to have taken control of the cartel, which is involved in everything from avocado production to drug smuggling.<\/p>\n

Wednesday\u2019s move comes a few weeks after the United States imposed sanctions against 50 people and companies linked with the cartel, including Gonz\u00e1lez. The sanctions froze assets and blocked U.S. financial transactions with those cited.<\/p>\n

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The cartel is considered the largest in Mexico, with a presence in 21 of its 32 states. Its operations have extended to several countries, including the United States.<\/p>\n

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Trump\u2019s administration has ramped up pressure<\/span> on the government of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum<\/span> to crack down more heavily on cartels, even threatening military action against the groups.<\/p>\n

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