An encrypted chat, a hard drive and dozens of arrests: How Mexico unraveled the CJNG network behind Carlos Manzo’s murder
Using previously unpublished information, EL PAÍS reconstructs the authorities’ investigation into the 2025 assassination of the mayor of Uruapan
On November 1, 2025, in Uruapan, Mexico, Carlos Manzo, the mayor of the city, was assassinated in the town square. The attack was orchestrated by a CJNG-affiliated cell and led by a 17-year-old named El Licenciado. The execution was carried out by a 16-year-old named Víctor Ubaldo and a 17-year-old known as Ramiro, both of whom were killed in the aftermath.
The young killers were part of a larger operation involving at least 140 members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The investigation began with video footage showing the attack and subsequent killings. Crucial evidence came from a group chat on the Threema messaging app called "Ciudad," which was created by Ramiro just before the assassination.
The chat was used for planning and surveillance, with messages appearing under the name "Lic." Policemen also tracked El Licenciado, also known as "El Conta," based on an anonymous tip about his white Suzuki Jimny and his distinctive avatar in the chat. By mid-November, the authorities had identified and arrested 34 suspects, leaving five others in custody. The mastermind behind the operation, Ramón Álvarez Ayala, known as "R1," was arrested in July.
Written by urgent.news from El Pais English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
