Background on the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel and its Leader
The United States Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against the Mexican cartel Santa Rosa de Lima, responsible for fuel smuggling in the state of Guanajuato, as well as against its leader, José Antonio Yépez Ortiz, also known as “El Marro.”
The Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel and its Conflict
The Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel has been engaged in a struggle with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) over control of fuel and oil in Guanajuato. This conflict has turned the state into one of the deadliest in Mexico.
Impact on Energy, Businesses, and the Mexican Government
The activities of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel have facilitated a transborder black market for energy, undermined legitimate U.S. oil and natural gas companies, and deprived the Mexican government of crucial revenue. The cartel was founded in Santa Rosa de Lima, Guanajuato, in 2014. Three years later, its members, known as “huachicoleros,” entered a war against the CJNG in what is known as Guanajuato’s “Triangle of Bermuda,” an area containing a Pemex refinery and oil pipelines.
Alliances and Recruitment
In their fight against the CJNG, the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel has allied with the Gulf Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel, both designated by the U.S. as terrorist organizations. The cartel has also recruited former Colombian military and paramilitary personnel to operate in Guanajuato.
“El Marro” and Continued Influence
José Antonio Yépez Ortiz, aka “El Marro,” was arrested in 2020 and sentenced to 60 years in prison for kidnapping two years later. Despite his detention, “El Marro” remains active in the cartel from prison, issuing instructions and orders to collaborators through his lawyers and family members. He has also helped establish the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel’s alliance with the Gulf Cartel while incarcerated.
Consequences of the US Sanctions
These sanctions target any economic activity related to the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel and its leader in the United States. No U.S. citizen or company can engage in business with them.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel? It’s a Mexican criminal organization responsible for fuel smuggling in Guanajuato and involved in a conflict with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
- Who is “El Marro”? José Antonio Yépez Ortiz, the leader of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, known for his involvement in kidnapping and fuel smuggling.
- What are the consequences of the US sanctions? Any economic activity related to the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel and its leader is now pursued in the United States, preventing U.S. citizens or companies from doing business with them.
