Top Jalisco Cartel Leader Reportedly Cooperating With U.S. Authorities Following Extradition

Top Jalisco Cartel leader Abigael Gonzalez Valencia, better known as “El Cuini,” has had a U.S. court appearance again postponed after he began cooperating with judicial authorities, according to a new report.

“El Cuini” is believed to be the financial brain behind the cartel, now the largest criminal organization in Mexico. Infobae reported that he is now expected to appear before a judge in January 2026.

Citing specialized journalist Angel Hernandez, the outlet noted that the postponement of the hearing is also seeking to get “El Cuini” to accept a guilty plea in the case.

“Since the last status hearing, the government has produced a voluminous amount of evidence against the accused and the parties have diligently analyzed the evidence in the case and possible resolutions before going to trial. Parties need additional time conclude negotiations related to a potential guilty plea,” reads the passage of a letter cited by the outlet and dated October 22.

González Valencia was among 26 individuals recently extradited to the U.S. for alleged ties to organized crime and drug trafficking. Before his 2015 arrest, El Cuini served as the top financial operator of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and led Los Cuinis, an armed wing of the cartel led by his brother-in-law, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.”

Shortly after his arrival in the U.S., González Valencia pleaded not guilty to three federal charges — trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine, engaging in organized crime, and possession of firearms.

However, the evidence appears to have changed the legal strategy. Among the documents presented to the defense allegedly are text conversations between El Cuini, El Mencho, and Rubén Oseguera González, alias “El Menchito,” discussing cocaine shipments, transportation logistics, pricing, and debts owed by partners involved in the trafficking operation.

U.S. prosecutors accuse El Cuini of financing the CJNG through a complex and highly profitable drug trafficking network, primarily involving cocaine shipments to high-paying markets such as the United States and several European countries.

While González Valencia is not facing money laundering charges, prosecutors claim he invested the cartel’s drug profits in a range of businesses and establishments. According to Hernández, this allowed him to step back from active drug trafficking while continuing to manage a portfolio of legitimate investments.

González Valencia is not the only former CJNG member being prosecuted by the United States. The Latin Times reported earlier this month that Érick Valencia Salazar, also known as “El 85,” is seeking to strike a plea deal in hopes of avoiding a full trial.