Background on Juan José Ponce Félix, aka “El Ruso”
Juan José Ponce Félix, known as “El Ruso,” is a significant figure in the Sinaloa Cartel. He leads a group called “Los Rusos,” associated with the La Mayiza faction, and is responsible for various criminal activities along the US-Mexico border.
Criminal Activities
- Trafficking cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin into the United States
- Distributing firearms, kidnapping, torturing, and committing homicides to protect his group’s territory
- Financing corruption schemes involving Mexican government officials, police, and military personnel to maintain control of his drug distribution network
Legal Charges and Accusations
El Ruso faces four federal court cases in California for crimes related to organized crime, drug manufacturing and distribution conspiracy, and money laundering.
US Efforts Against Mexican Criminal Groups
The United States has intensified its offensive against major Mexican criminal groups by offering over $56 million in rewards for information leading to the capture or conviction of cartel leaders, including those from the Sinaloa Cartel and Cárteles Unidos.
Previous Reward Announcements
- The US doubled the reward for Alfredo Guzmán Salazar (Los Chapitos) from $5 million to $10 million
- The US doubled the reward for Iván Archivaldo Guzmán (Los Chapitos) from $5 million to $10 million
- Cárteles Unidos leaders’ rewards:
- Juan José Farías Álvarez (“El Abuelo”) – $10 million
- Nicolás Sierra Santana (“El Gordo”) – $5 million
- Alfonso Fernández Magallón (“Poncho”) – $5 million
- Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez (“R5”) – $3 million
- Édgar Orozco Cabadas (“Kamoni”) – $3 million
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Juan José Ponce Félix, aka “El Ruso”? El Ruso is a key operative in the Sinaloa Cartel, leading a group called “Los Rusos” and responsible for various criminal activities along the US-Mexico border.
- What criminal activities is El Ruso accused of? He is accused of trafficking drugs, distributing firearms, committing kidnappings, torture, and homicides, as well as financing corruption schemes involving Mexican government officials and law enforcement.
- What rewards has the US offered for information on El Ruso and other cartel leaders? The US has offered a $5 million reward for El Ruso and increased rewards for other cartel leaders, such as Alfredo and Iván Archivaldo Guzmán (Los Chapitos) from $5 million to $10 million each, and various rewards for Cárteles Unidos leaders ranging from $3 million to $10 million.
