Overview
- State prosecutors detained Christian Jesús “N”, known as “Gimmy” or “Jimy” and identified as leader of the Sindicato 22 de Octubre, in the early hours of November 21 under an arrest warrant.
- He was admitted to the Nezahualcóyotl penitentiary and placed at the disposal of a judge, with inquiries citing alleged illicit extraction and sale of water as well as suspected kidnapping, extortion and despojo.
- A search bulletin issued on November 20 reporting him missing was later overtaken by confirmation of his detention, after which supporters demonstrated in Chalco demanding his release.
- Authorities say the case stems from Operación Caudal, a statewide campaign launched in late October across 48 municipalities that has executed raids, seized hundreds of water tankers and intervened at wells and clandestine taps.
- Investigators allege the sindicato monopolized distribution, intimidated rival drivers and occupied properties with wells to extract water without authorization, while some community wells have since been returned to local control under oversight.