Los Chapitos Explore Negotiated Surrender to US Authorities, LA Times Reports

Mexico City — Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar, sons of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman Loera and leaders of the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, have been in contact with US authorities to explore a possible negotiated surrender, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday.

According to the report, which cites sources familiar with ongoing federal investigations, the discussions have been underway for about a year and gained momentum following the cooperation of their half-brothers, Ovidio Guzman Lopez and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, who are facing legal proceedings in the United States.

One source told the Times that the Guzman Salazar brothers wanted to see how Ovidio and Joaquin’s cases progressed before deciding whether to negotiate with federal prosecutors.

Ivan Archivaldo, 42, is considered by US authorities to be one of the top leaders of Los Chapitos and faces multiple federal indictments related to drug trafficking. Washington has also offered a $10 million reward for information leading to his capture.

The report also notes that Guzman Salazar is mentioned in investigations linked to Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya. According to the indictment cited by the newspaper, the alleged crime boss ordered armed groups to carry out a campaign of violence to influence the 2021 state election.

Jeffrey Lichtman, the brothers’ attorney, did not respond to requests for comment from the Los Angeles Times. The newspaper added that it is unclear whether Ivan Archivaldo would face charges related to the alleged kidnapping of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada if he appears before US courts.

The publication also recalled that the murder of Hector Melesio Cuen Ojeda, which occurred during the events described by Zambada, remains unsolved, as does the disappearance of two of his bodyguards, one of whom was a member of the Sinaloa state police.