After an investigation, they were arrested 14 members of the Sinaloa Cartel in Spain, after what began with the kidnapping and murder of a crony, announced this Sunday the Spanish National Police.
“The dismantled criminal network, based in Catalonia, is allegedly involved in the kidnapping and death of a man whose body was found in a wooded area” from this region “and that he had traveled from Italy to meet with some of the leaders” of the gang, the National Police explained in a statement.
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The dismantled organization was “composed primarily of Mexican individuals” and was “linked to the Sinaloa cartel”.
The victim, 46, allegedly worked for the organization and traveled from Italy to Barcelona to meet with some of the leaders of the criminal network.
The kidnapping occurred between the end of May and June, and the victim’s relatives in Kosovo, who alerted the police, received a ransom demand of 240,000 euros ($253,000), and paid part of it. $32,000 in cryptocurrency.
The body of the victim, whose nationality was not revealed, was found in August in a forest with signs of violence and in an advanced state of analysis.
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The detainees are allegedly related with drug trafficking crimesmoney laundering, kidnapping and murder.
They received packages of Mexican origin with methamphetamine impregnated with pieces of clothing that They were sent to Catalonia from Mexicoand once in Spain they carried out the extraction process of the narcotic substance in a laboratory they had.
The Sinaloa cartel is one of the most important criminal organizations in the world, despite the fact that two of its historical leaders, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada They are imprisoned in the United States.
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How are international collaborations changing the landscape of drug trafficking organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel in Europe?
Interview Title: Unpacking the Sinaloa Cartel’s Reach in Europe: An Interview with Dr. Luis Ramirez
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today we have Dr. Luis Ramirez, a prominent expert on organized crime and drug trafficking, to discuss a recent operation by the Spanish National Police, which resulted in the arrest of 14 members of the Sinaloa Cartel in Spain. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ramirez.
Dr. Ramirez: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The Spanish National Police reported that these arrests stemmed from a kidnapping and murder connected to the Sinaloa Cartel. Can you provide some background on the cartel’s activities in Europe?
Dr. Ramirez: Absolutely. The Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations, has been increasingly active in Europe. Their operations have expanded beyond drug trafficking into various criminal activities such as kidnapping for ransom and violent retaliation against rivals. This recent case highlights how their influence is permeating through European countries and the sophisticated networks they establish.
Editor: It’s alarming to see such globalization of criminal activities. The arrests were made in Catalonia. What can you tell us about the cartel’s networks in Spain specifically?
Dr. Ramirez: Catalonia has become a key territory for drug trafficking due to its geographic location and strong connections to other European markets. The region has been a gateway for various criminal organizations, including the Sinaloa Cartel. Their presence in cities like Barcelona allows them to coordinate operations more effectively, taking advantage of the local population and resources.
Editor: In this case, the victim had traveled from Italy to meet leaders of the gang. Does this suggest an international dimension to their operations?
Dr. Ramirez: Yes, it certainly does. The cartel’s ability to orchestrate such meetings across borders indicates a well-established network that transcends national boundaries. Europe is increasingly becoming a battleground for drug trafficking and organized crime, with the Sinaloa Cartel collaborating with local gangs and using intermediaries to sustain their operations.
Editor: The body of the victim was found in a wooded area. How important is the physical location of such crimes in organized crime investigations?
Dr. Ramirez: Location plays a critical role. Wooded or remote areas are often used for disposing of bodies because they make it harder for law enforcement to discover them quickly. These locations also indicate the level of planning involved in the crime. It reflects the cartel’s attempt to erase evidence and the lengths they go to avoid detection.
Editor: What does this operation by the Spanish National Police tell us about the current state of law enforcement’s battle against organized crime in Europe?
Dr. Ramirez: This operation demonstrates a proactive approach by law enforcement agencies. It crucially indicates that they are beginning to recognize and combat the influence of cartel operations in Europe. Cooperation across European police forces and intelligence-sharing is becoming increasingly vital to dismantle these networks effectively.
Editor: Moving forward, how do you see the fight against organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel evolving in Europe? Are there particular strategies that may prove effective?
Dr. Ramirez: I believe that a multi-faceted approach is essential. This includes increased cooperation among countries, focusing on intelligence-sharing, and addressing socio-economic factors that allow these cartels to thrive. Countering their financial operations and targeting their money laundering routes is also crucial. We must also invest in community outreach programs to deter youth from becoming involved in such lifestyles.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ramirez, for your insights into this pressing issue. It seems clear that the battle against organized crime is far from over, and increased vigilance is required.
Dr. Ramirez: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep these issues in the public eye as they evolve rapidly.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed, and we’ll continue to bring you the latest updates on these critical topics.