The unusual expenses of 'Mencho' in the CJNG: From flowers for Saint Jude Thaddeus to haircuts
Newly uncovered financial records reveal the extensive operational costs and revenues of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), highlighting the cartel's financial activities in Mexico.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, referred to as 'El Mencho', is the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which is one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Mexico. Recent findings from a luxury cabin where he was hiding in Tapalpa detail meticulous records of his finances, illustrating the operational costs and income streams of the cartel. The records document not only the revenue generated from drug sales—including marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl—but also from running slot machines in Tapalpa, reflecting the diverse methods through which the cartel finances itself.
The accounted income for just December 2025 reveals substantial financial activity. Reports indicate that the CJNG generated over 17 million pesos from operations in Tapalpa and the nearby Cocula, underscoring the significant economic impact the cartel has on local communities. In contrast, their operational expenses for that same period were about 291,000 pesos over a week, highlighting the substantial financial resources required to maintain the cartel's extensive operations.
These revelations not only shed light on the financial structure of one of Mexico's most notorious cartels but also pose broader questions about the nature of organized crime in the region. As authorities sift through these records, the implications for both law enforcement strategies and local governance become evident, signaling a need for robust responses to undercut the financial foundations of such criminal enterprises.