Mexican Cartel Leader Arrested in California After Faking Death

Cristian Gutierrez-Ochoa, a high-ranking CJNG member and son-in-law of fugitive leader El Mencho, faces federal drug trafficking and money laundering charges.

Cristian Gutierrez-Ochoa, 37, faked his death to evade Mexican authorities and lived under a false identity in Riverside, California.
He is accused of coordinating the transportation of 40,000 kilograms of methamphetamine and 2,000 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico to the U.S. since 2014.
Prosecutors allege he used violence, including the 2021 kidnapping of two Mexican Navy members to secure the release of El Mencho's wife.
Gutierrez-Ochoa's luxury lifestyle in California was reportedly funded by cartel money laundering operations, including the purchase of a $1.2 million home.
El Mencho, leader of the CJNG and one of the world's most wanted criminals, remains at large with a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest.