Beto Leyva arrested in Tijuana, security secretary reports
Original reporting: Colima Noticias
What happened
Colima Noticias reports that Mexican forces arrested an alleged Arzate associate in searches supported by U.S. intelligence. Officials linked him to migrant smuggling, kidnappings and money laundering.
Reporting and context
José Alberto “N,” known as “Beto Leyva,” was arrested in Tijuana during judge-authorized searches in an organized-crime investigation, according to Colima Noticias, citing Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch.
In a November 11 statement reproduced by the outlet, García Harfuch identified the detainee as an alleged member of the inner circle of René and Alfonso Arzate García, known as “La Rana” and “El Aquiles.” He described the brothers as leaders of a Sinaloa Cartel faction with a presence in Sinaloa, Baja California and Durango.
Colima Noticias reported that Army and National Guard personnel and the Criminal Investigation Agency of the federal prosecutor’s office carried out the arrest. Mexican authorities exchanged information and intelligence with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations for the operation.
Investigators allege that the suspect coordinated the smuggling of people from Tijuana toward San Diego and San Ysidro, California. Authorities also linked him to migrant kidnappings in which relatives in the United States were asked for payments in exchange for their release.
Other allegations concern businesses allegedly used to launder the organization’s money and a network obtaining weapons and stolen vehicles in the United States. García Harfuch said the detainee also has an active U.S. arrest warrant.
Source: Colima Noticias.