U.S. Offers Up to $26 Million for Capture of Five Cárteles Unidos Leaders

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. government announced rewards totaling up to $26 million in August 2025 for information leading to the capture or conviction of five alleged leaders of Cárteles Unidos, a criminal organization accused of violent operations in Michoacán, Mexico.

The U.S. Department of State said the sanctions are part of a strategy to curb drug trafficking and the expansion of armed groups in the Tierra Caliente region.

Juan José Farías Álvarez, alias “El Abuelo”

Juan José Farías Álvarez, known as “El Abuelo,” is identified as the main leader of Cárteles Unidos. Born in Tepalcatepec, Michoacán, he started as a farmer before joining self-defense groups. His criminal trajectory includes links to groups like the Valencia, La Familia Michoacana, and Los Caballeros Templarios. The U.S. accuses him of homicide and drug trafficking and offers a $10 million reward for information leading to his capture.

Nicolás Sierra Santana, alias “El Gordo”

Nicolás Sierra Santana, alias “El Gordo,” is one of the founders of Los Viagras, a principal cell of Cárteles Unidos. Authorities hold him responsible for homicides, kidnappings, operation of methamphetamine laboratories, and extortion of agricultural producers. He is also accused of involvement in the murder of Hipólito Mora Chávez. The reward for his capture is $5 million.

Alfonso Fernández Magallón, alias “Poncho” or “Poncho La Quiringua”

Alfonso Fernández Magallón, known as “Poncho” or “Poncho La Quiringua,” leads the Cártel de Los Reyes, with operations in Michoacán municipalities like Los Reyes and Cotija. He is accused of recruiting ex-military personnel, organizing paramilitary training, and coordinating violent actions against rival groups and authorities. A $5 million reward is offered for information leading to his detention.

Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez, alias “R5” or “Güicho”

Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez, identified as “R5” or “Güicho,” heads operations in Tepalcatepec. Authorities link him to the use of improvised explosives, including landmines, as well as weapons-related crimes and drug trafficking. The reward for his capture is $3 million.

Edgar Valeriano Orozco Cabadas, alias “El Kamoni”

Edgar Valeriano Orozco Cabadas, alias “El Kamoni,” is considered a close collaborator of “El Abuelo” and responsible for supervising hitmen within the organization. The U.S. Department of the Treasury accuses him of homicide and drug trafficking. A $3 million reward is also offered for his capture.

In 2025, the U.S. government designated Cárteles Unidos as a terrorist organization, which implies sanctions such as asset freezes and prohibitions on financial transactions in the country. The group maintains a presence in Michoacán, where it controls key routes for methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking, in addition to extorting agricultural producers and clashing with security forces and rival organizations.