The elimination of the leader of the Mexican drug cartel “Jalisco New Generation” (CJNG), Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, on February 22, 2026, marked a turning point for organized crime in Mexico.
This is reported by Business • Media
Use of Cryptocurrencies in CJNG’s Financial Schemes
In recent years, CJNG has actively integrated digital assets into its financial operations. Analysts believe that this group has become a pioneer among Mexican cartels in using cryptocurrencies for money laundering and conducting cross-border transfers. Reports from TRM Labs and information from U.S. authorities confirm that long before 2026, criminals were conducting operations worth hundreds of millions of dollars through various crypto services. Stablecoins and Bitcoin played a significant role in CJNG’s schemes, allowing for quick fund transfers and minimizing reliance on the traditional banking system.
Researchers note that CJNG used centralized exchanges, over-the-counter platforms, and crypto wallets linked to drug trafficking logistics networks. According to U.S. law enforcement, in 2022, the cartel organized transactions worth tens of millions of dollars, involving numerous chains of intermediaries to complicate the tracking of funds.
“Reports from TRM Labs and data from U.S. authorities recorded operations worth hundreds of millions of dollars long before 2026.”
In 2023, the activities of a broker involved in converting criminal proceeds through cryptocurrency tools were uncovered. Criminals combined cash operations, exchanges, and digital assets to conceal the origin of the money and ensure its further movement. During an arrest, over $600,000 in cash was found in just one vehicle.
Financial security experts emphasize that CJNG was able to scale its criminal flows, accelerate international settlements, and evade banking controls thanks to cryptocurrencies.
El Mencho’s Elimination and Its Consequences for Mexico
The death of the CJNG leader triggered a wave of violence in several Mexican cities. The country’s authorities reported at least 25 National Guard members killed as a result of attacks organized by cartel members. For many years, CJNG remained one of the most dangerous drug cartels in Mexico, actively engaged in armed conflicts with other criminal organizations.
Experts emphasize that the CJNG case demonstrates the ability of criminal organizations to adapt to the digital economy. While cryptocurrencies have not yet completely replaced traditional money laundering schemes, they have become an important tool for scaling criminal activities.