On February 19th, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions against several Mexican individuals and businesses for their connections to a fraud scheme orchestrated by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit. A key figure in this operation is José Luis Gutiérrez Ochoa, known as 'El Tolín,' who is said to be deeply intertwined with the family of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho,' the cartel's leader.

'El Tolín,' born on December 29, 1987, in Michoacán, follows in the criminal footsteps of his father, José Luis Gutiérrez Valencia, alias 'Don Chelo,' who was a notorious leader within the CJNG and had authority over the Puerto Vallarta area. His family's connections, particularly those with 'El Mencho,' have reportedly strengthened over time due to familial ties, influencing the cartel's operations and networks in the region.

The ramifications of these sanctions not only target potential criminal activities but also aim to disrupt the CJNG's financial frameworks, highlighting the ongoing struggle between drug cartels and law enforcement. The situation underscores the complex relationships and power dynamics within these criminal organizations, illustrating why figures like 'El Tolín' are critical in sustaining the cartel's influence in local and international contexts.