Love Led to El Mencho’s Downfall: Girlfriend Reportedly Key to Tracking Him Down

Intelligence Operation Tracked Down El Mencho Thanks to His Girlfriend

Armed Clash in Tapalpa

He Died During Air Transfer

The downfall of one of the country’s most wanted criminal leaders was the result of meticulous surveillance that lasted weeks and included monitoring his closest circle.

From the National Palace, Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense detailed how intelligence efforts led authorities to locate Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in Tapalpa, Jalisco. A military operation was deployed there, ending in a violent confrontation and his death during transfer.

Military Intelligence Followed the Trail to El Mencho’s Inner Circle

On Monday, February 23, General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, head of Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense, reported that Nemesio Oseguera “El Mencho” was captured thanks to central military intelligence work and information sharing with U.S. institutions.

According to the official, the key was monitoring his network of close contacts.

“On February 20, through central military intelligence work, a trusted associate of one of El Mencho’s romantic partners was located transporting her to a property in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco.”

At that location, the woman met with the leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). The following day, February 21, she left the property; however, intelligence confirmed that Oseguera Cervantes remained in a cabin at the site, accompanied by his security detail.

This development marked the turning point in what officials describe as the intelligence operation that lead to the capture of El Mencho.

Planning the Operation and Deployment of Special Forces to Capture El Mencho

Once his presence was confirmed, authorities began operational planning.

A force composed of Army special forces, members of the National Guard, and aircraft from the Mexican Air Force was assembled.

After verifying that El Mencho remained at the property, ground forces moved into the area with the objective of arresting him.

Upon detecting the presence of federal forces, his security circle opened fire on soldiers and National Guard members.

“It was truly a very violent attack carried out by organized crime personnel, and the military special forces repelled the aggression,” General Trevilla Trejo stated.

According to official reports, while repelling the attack to protect their safety, federal forces initially killed four members of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación. The total later rose to eight alleged criminals killed, along with two wounded soldiers.

Escape to the Forested Area and Tactical Perimeter

#InternacionalesTGW | In the middle of the confrontation, one of El Mencho’s romantic partners was key to the beginning of the operation + pic.twitter.com/7AvP8YgRQq

— Radio TGWTV (@RadioTGWTV) February 23, 2026

During the operation, El Mencho reportedly left a group behind at the cabin area to slow the advance of federal forces and fled with his close security circle into a wooded area.

Authorities stated that a perimeter was established, effectively containing him.

Upon noticing the advancing forces, the assailants allegedly resumed firing and even struck a helicopter, forcing it to make an emergency landing.

Eventually, the CJNG co-founder was located hiding among the brush in Tapalpa, a crucial moment in the operation.

Injuries, Transfer, and Death During Evacuation

Due to injuries sustained during the confrontation, he required evacuation to a medical facility in Jalisco.

However, El Mencho and his bodyguards reportedly died during transport.

They were first transferred to Morelia, Michoacán, and later to Mexico City.

The Secretariat of National Defense confirmed that Oseguera Cervantes died during the air transfer to the capital.

The February 22, 2026 operation to capture El Mencho, which was achieved after tracking his girlfriend, was part of a coordinated effort involving the Secretariat of National Defense, the National Intelligence Center (CNI), the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), and the National Guard (GN).

Seizures, Another Target Killed, and CJNG Reaction

Authorities seized seven long guns, two rocket launchers, eight vehicles, two off-road vehicles, ammunition, and magazines.

Additionally, through central military intelligence, Hugo “H,” alias “Tuli,” identified as a financial operator in El Grullo, Jalisco, was located.

You may also like: Reports Say El Mencho Was Killed After Military Deployment in Mexico

According to reports, when authorities deployed a unit to detain him, he attempted to flee in a vehicle while firing at forces, resulting in his death.

Following the operation, CJNG members reportedly carried out roadblocks, vehicle burnings, and attacks on military facilities in Jalisco, Nayarit, Michoacán, Puebla, and Tamaulipas.

Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the other individuals killed, beyond confirming that one of the deceased was El Mencho, leader of the CJNG.

Who Is the Alleged Girlfriend of El Mencho Guadalupe Moreno Carrillo and What Is Her Link to the CJNG?

El Mencho Girlfriend Helped Intelligence Operation – PHOTO: Twitter (X)

Who is El Mencho’s romantic partner?

According to reports from @Defensamx1, she is Guadalupe Moreno Carrillo.

A woman from Jalisco’s high society whom the crime boss met in 2022.

She was key, beginning February 14, in tracking El Mencho to Tapalpa

pic.twitter.com/gRfkxKSXFS

— Antonio Nieto (@siete_letras) February 23, 2026

Guadalupe Moreno Carrillo was first publicly mentioned in documents leaked during the 2022 Guacamaya Leaks hack, in which files from Mexico’s Defense Ministry identified her as an alleged romantic partner of the CJNG leader.

According to those documents, her relationship with Oseguera Cervantes reportedly began after his separation from his wife, Rosalinda González Valencia, who was arrested in 2021.

Reports described her as a woman approximately 50 years old, with fair skin and black hair.

To date, there is limited public information about her origin, family background, or professional history, and prior to the leaks, her name had not been formally linked to criminal investigations.

However, intelligence files reportedly placed her in sections referencing regional coordinators and plaza bosses within the CJNG, suggesting a possible connection to the organization’s structure, though without specifying operational roles.

SOURCE: El Heraldo de Mexico / Infobae