Sinaloa Cartel Co-Founder 'El Mayo' Zambada Pleads Guilty in New York

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3 days ago

Above: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announces the guilty plea of "El Mayo" Zambada on Aug. 25, 2025. Image copyright: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

story last updated 3 days ago

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Zambada has admitted to bribing police, military commanders and politicians, confirming long-running suspicions that Mexican officials at all levels were complicit with the Sinaloa Cartel and have allowed it to operate freely for decades. Given that he won't cooperate with U.S. authorities, though, these corrupt officials may now feel relieved.

EL PAÍS English

Establishment-critical narrative

Authorities in Mexico have never been concerned about potential claims from Zambada regarding the country's officials, as any allegations must first be supported by evidence and then by prosecutors. Make no mistake, Mexico is no narco-state. This is the same old — and failed — smear campaign that the opposition and its foreign allies carried out in elections last year.

Mexico News Daily

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 12% chance that the U.S. will deploy military forces in Mexico without the cooperation of the Mexican government before 2029, according to the Metaculus prediction community.