Authorities in Jalisco, Mexico, have been aware since 2014 of the alleged connections between Severo Flores Mendoza, known as El Rey Mago, and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), yet failed to take action against him.
For over 12 years, local authorities in Jalisco have had knowledge of Severo Flores Mendoza, alias El Rey Mago, being linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Despite this knowledge, instead of initiating an investigation or arrest, Mendoza continued to operate freely, even rising to higher ranks within the regional security structure. This lack of action raises serious questions about the accountability and effectiveness of law enforcement in the region.
Recent investigations by the Attorney General's Office (FGR) have identified Mendoza as a key figure in a criminal network led by former Tequila mayor Diego Rivera Navarro, who was arrested last week for his alleged ties to the CJNG. The federal probe indicates that Mendoza served as a crucial link between the Municipal Public Security Directorate of Tequila and cartel operations, providing judicial and operational information to the criminal organization. This suggests a deeply entrenched correlation between organized crime and local governance, highlighting systemic corruption.
The revelations about El Rey Mago's connections and the authorities' inaction could have broader implications for public trust in law enforcement and government institutions in Mexico. It underscores the challenges faced in combating organized crime, particularly when law enforcement may be complicit or ineffective. As the situation unfolds, there will likely be calls for accountability and reform within the security apparatus to better address the relationships between local officials and criminal enterprises.
