Alleged CJNG operator arrested after Michoacán extortion probe

Mexican authorities arrested Manuel Alejandro Rendón Aguilar, known as “El Señor de la T,” in Morelia, Michoacán, after identifying him as an alleged CJNG operator active across five municipalities in the state’s Bajío region, Infobae México reported. The 51-year-old man is being investigated for alleged extortion, kidnapping, homicide, disappearances and retail drug dealing. Authorities said he also faced arrest warrants related to homicide and the disappearance of people.

The municipalities identified in the report are Puruándiro, José Sixto Verduzco, Angamacutiro, Penjamillo and Panindícuaro. Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said the network allegedly extorted families and producers, particularly avocado, lemon and berry growers. Authorities said extortion operations linked to the CJNG generated as much as 15,000 pesos per offense, while agricultural leaders were especially vulnerable because they reported threats.

Investigators in Penjamillo have linked Rendón Aguilar to the October 2025 killing of municipal trustee Roberto Ramírez Zárate. In Angamacutiro, authorities have linked him to the August 2024 disappearance of former mayor Maribel Juárez Blanquet. Officials said he also appears in other disappearance investigations, but did not specify the number of victims. The Federal Attorney General’s Office will determine his legal status as the case proceeds.

Infobae México reported that Rendón Aguilar was allegedly close to Heraclio Guerrero Martínez, known as “Tío Lako,” whom authorities identify as a regional CJNG leader. A failed Aug. 19 operation targeting Guerrero was followed by arrests of 12 alleged cell members and more than 20 road blockades across Michoacán, according to the report. The Sept. 17 detention involved state and federal prosecutors, the army, navy and security agencies; all allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation.