The Three Criminal Clans Behind “El 03”: The New Leader of the CJNG
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is undergoing significant reorganization following the emergence of Juan Carlos Valencia González, known as “El 03,” as its new leader. His rise cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the influence of three pivotal criminal clans that have shaped his path within organized crime.
The Fall of “El Mencho” and the Rise of “El 03”
After the capture of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” El 03 has become a focal point for international authorities, particularly the U.S., which has issued a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest. This new leadership reflects the convergence of three formidable structures: the lineage rooted in the Millennium Cartel, the financial expertise provided by Los Cuinis, and the militaristic foundation built by Oseguera himself.
The Millennium Cartel: Root of the Lineage
The Millennium Cartel, also known as The Valencia, originated in Michoacán in the late 20th century and was spearheaded by figures like Armando Valencia Cornelio, “El Maradona.” As the biological father of El 03, Armando led the family from local agriculture to becoming a significant player in international drug trafficking. He forged alliances with leading criminal groups such as the Juárez Cartel and Medellín Cartel, establishing drug routes that enabled his organization to dominate cocaine distribution into the U.S.
Los Cuinis: The Financial Backbone
The second pillar supporting El 03’s rise involves Los Cuinis, a network of financial giants led by Abigael González Valencia, “El Cuini,” the uncle of El 03. Recognized by U.S. authorities as one of the wealthiest drug trafficking organizations globally, Los Cuinis profit from cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking through various international routes. Their financial acumen underpins the CJNG’s operations, facilitating money laundering and enabling its global expansion.
CJNG: The Militarization and Consolidation
The third critical clan is that of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, who was instrumental in establishing the CJNG as a powerful force across Mexico and globally. As a stepfather and mentor, El Mencho played a crucial role in shaping El 03’s criminal acumen, grooming him to lead the most sophisticated armed factions of the CJNG.
The New Face of the CJNG
El 03 officially stepped into the limelight in 2021, when U.S. authorities issued an indictment against him for serious drug trafficking offenses. He has been accused of conspiracy to import large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamines into the United States since 2007. His complex identity, holding both Mexican and American citizenship, adds a layer of difficulty in his apprehension, complicating U.S. law enforcement’s efforts.
The trajectory of Juan Carlos Valencia González illustrates not just a familial succession but also an intricate web of alliances and tensions among the Valencia, González Valencia, and Oseguera families and their respective criminal entities: the Millennium Cartel, Los Cuinis, and CJNG.
As El 03 continues to solidify his power, the interplay of these three clans will undoubtedly shape the future dynamics of organized crime in Mexico and beyond.