Severo Flores Mendoza, known as 'El Rey Mago,' is linked to the CJNG and alleged corruption involving local authorities in Tequila following the arrest of the town's mayor.
Severo Flores Mendoza, commonly referred to as 'El Rey Mago,' has gained renewed attention following the arrest of Diego Rivera Navarro, the mayor of Tequila. Flores is alleged to be a key link between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and local government authorities, which raises serious concerns about the intermingling of law enforcement and organized crime. The investigation led by the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) suggests a deeper network of corruption that extends into municipal governance.
As the former police chief, Flores has held various leadership positions within different security organizations since 2014, including a significant role as head of the Cocula municipal police. His tenure was marked by controversy, as authorities at the state level intervened in the police force due to connections with the CJNG, which resulted in the arrest of two high-ranking officials. Interestingly, Flores managed to evade arrest before being implicated further in the criminal investigation, leading to questions about accountability and oversight in police operations.
The implications of Flores’ connections extend beyond individual culpability; they signify systemic issues related to law enforcement's vulnerability to organized crime infiltration. The ongoing inquiries into local government officials like Rivera and the revelations about Flores’ involvement highlight the persistent challenges faced by Mexican authorities in combatting cartel influence and ensuring the integrity of municipal leadership against daunting criminal forces.
