The civil case relies heavily on the same questionable foundation as the criminal trial - testimony from notorious cartel members who had every incentive to fabricate stories to reduce their own sentences. Garcia Luna maintained his innocence throughout, describing himself as a legitimate businessman who was targeted based on false information from criminals and political enemies. The astronomical judgment amount, three times what Mexico originally sought, raises questions about whether this represents justice or political theater designed to scapegoat one man for systemic failures in Mexico's drug war.