Sinaloa Cartel Hacked FBI Systems to Track and Kill Informants in Mexico

According to a recent government audit, the Sinaloa drug cartel enlisted the help of a hacker to track an FBI official involved in investigations against them. This collaboration has profound implications, as it reportedly enabled the cartel to locate and murder potential informants and witnesses linked to the high-profile El Chapo case. The Department of Justice highlighted that the hacker specifically altered surveillance capabilities of city cameras in Mexico City. By doing so, the cartel was able to monitor FBI activities and movements, posing a significant danger not just to law enforcement but also to members of the public who were potential informants.

The report emphasized that the assassination of these informants was part of the cartel's broader strategy to eliminate threats to its operations. Key individuals involved in the investigation stated that the cartel has become increasingly sophisticated in its tactics, employing technology to gain an edge over law enforcement agencies. The situation underscores the serious ramifications of the surveillance capabilities that can be exploited by criminal organizations and raises concerns about the safety of federal officials and their sources. As a result of the audits and ongoing investigations, there is increased pressure on law enforcement to adapt and strengthen their operational security and protective measures against such technological threats.

A prominent associate of Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, one of the founders of the Sinaloa Cartel, has made headlines with his recent transition from prisons in the United States to facilities in Mexico. Despite his historical ties to one of the most notorious drug trafficking organizations, the nuances of his situation reveal a complex relationship between law enforcement and organized crime. This individual's movements highlight significant issues regarding the security and effectiveness of prison protocols both in the US and Mexico. While the cartel has a notorious reputation, this case underscores the blurred lines of criminal operations and the ongoing challenges authorities face in managing incarcerated individuals with deep connections to organized crime. Experts have noted that these transfers often raise alarms about potential continued criminal activities even while incarcerated. As the Sinaloa Cartel continues to flourish, the implications of this individual's situation raise questions about the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking and the effectiveness of current countermeasures.

The United States Department of Justice disclosed on June 27, 2025, that a hacker affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel successfully breached the FBI's systems to track down and murder informants in Mexico in 2018. According to the report, the hacker gained access to the phone records of an FBI agent stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, identifying the agent as a key figure in the agency's operations. This breach allowed the hacker to monitor the agent’s calls and geolocation data, which was critical for locating informants. Utilizing the extensive network of surveillance cameras throughout Mexico City, the hacker was able to follow the agent and pinpoint individuals they met with. The cartel then reportedly used this intelligence to intimidate informants and, alarmingly, to execute some who were cooperating with law enforcement. The document did not disclose the identities of the hacker, the agent, or the victims, but it highlighted the significant security failures within the FBI's use of technology for operational methods. This incident raises serious concerns about the vulnerabilities in federal surveillance and the safety of informants. Following this revelation, the report called for a reassessment of the FBI's protective measures regarding sensitive investigations to prevent such breaches in the future. It also emphasized the necessity for enhanced training for FBI personnel to bolster resilience against technological compromises.

The U.S. Department of Justice disclosed on June 28, 2025, that a hacker affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel successfully infiltrated a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent's mobile phone and accessed the surveillance camera system in Mexico City. The incident, which occurred in 2018, involved the hacker tracking the agent's movements, including identifying individuals he interacted with, potentially leading to severe threats against informants. The hacker was reportedly employed by the Sinaloa Cartel, which was once led by Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, who was extradited to the U.S. in 2017.

According to the Justice Department's report, the hacker used geolocation data and a record of calls from the FBI agent's device to gather information crucial for the cartel's operations. The findings originate from an audit by the Inspector General of the Department of Justice, which evaluates the effectiveness of surveillance operations undertaken by the FBI. The report indicates that this situation allowed the cartel to intimidate, and in some cases, likely murder eyewitnesses or potential informants who were working with the FBI.

Moreover, the audit underscores concerns regarding the vulnerabilities faced by FBI operations against targeted criminal entities. However, the audit does not disclose the identities of the hacker, the FBI agent, or the victims involved in these threats and assaults. As a result of these revelations, heightened focus and scrutiny have emerged regarding how the FBI protects its investigations against technological compromises, drawing attention to the vulnerabilities in operatives and informants' safety and security in the ongoing fight against drug-related crimes.