Mexico investigates alleged cartel recruitment videos from Ukraine

Reporting and context

Mexico is investigating whether videos showing alleged Mexican cartel members in Ukraine are authentic, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday. UDGTV reported that the videos refer to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and a Sinaloa Cartel faction known as La Chapiza, but authorities have not confirmed that the people shown belong to either group.

The case was presented to Mexico's security cabinet, Sheinbaum said at her morning press conference. She said investigators are examining how Mexican nationals could have entered the conflict and whether they were recruited by a private company or a foreign government. She did not identify a recruiter or explain what role the alleged recruits may have been offered.

Sheinbaum said Mexico has not contacted Ukrainian authorities about the matter, although the Foreign Ministry could do so if necessary. The investigation follows the circulation of social-media video and comes after international reporting about possible links between Latin American criminal organizations and fighters in Ukraine. The Washington Post reported in September, citing U.S. and Mexican officials, that Mexican drug-trafficking organizations sought Colombians with military experience in Ukraine for their drone expertise. Reports also circulated in 2025 about alleged attempts by Mexican cartel members to join foreign volunteer units. The authenticity of the videos and the alleged recruitment remain unresolved.