Overview

• He pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and running a continuing criminal enterprise in federal court in Brooklyn.
• Under the agreement he faces a mandatory life sentence and will forfeit $15 billion, according to the court record.
• Prosecutors decided earlier this month not to seek the death penalty in the case.
• In court, Zambada apologized and admitted directing killings, overseeing large-scale drug trafficking, and using bribery to facilitate operations.
• His attorney said the plea involves no cooperation with authorities, and accounts of his 2024 arrival in U.S. custody remain disputed.