U.S. Authorities Reveal Cartel’s Use of Technology to Target FBI Informants

The U.S. Department of Justice has exposed that a well-known drug cartel employed a hacker who infiltrated both mobile data and surveillance systems in Mexico City, aiding in the tracking and assassination of informants associated with the FBI.

This information came to light through a recent disclosure by the Justice Department's Inspector General, focusing on the FBI's attempts to counteract the invasive reach of modern technological surveillance.

The partial report details a scenario involving the original leader of the notorious Sinaloa cartel, known as 'El Chapo,' who is currently serving a life sentence in the U.S. on charges related to drug trafficking over more than 25 years.

The audit indicates that in 2018, an unnamed hacker was recruited by the cartel. This hacker monitored activity outside the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, identifying individuals of cartel interest, including a legal attaché from the FBI.

Utilizing the FBI attaché’s phone number, the hacker accessed call logs and geolocation information, the report outlined.

Additionally, the hacker manipulated the city’s surveillance network to monitor the FBI official's movements and interactions. The cartel subsequently used this intelligence to threaten or eliminate potential sources or cooperating witnesses.

The audit also discusses how technological progress has complicated the protection of covert operations and sensitive sources.

It was mentioned that the advancement in data technology, facial recognition, and network infiltration provides tools for adversaries and criminal groups to pinpoint FBI operations and personnel effortlessly.

Additionally, the Justice Department suggested that the FBI perform a comprehensive risk evaluation to assess their areas of vulnerability.

The Sinaloa cartel remains a dominant force in Mexico, recognized for its ruthless tactics and substantial influence in drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, to the U.S. They are notorious for their violent methods against civilians, officials, and media.

This information surfaces shortly after the U.S. announced rewards for the capture of two of “El Chapo’s” sons, Archivaldo Ivan and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar. Meanwhile, his two other sons are held by U.S. authorities.

These sons, known as the 'Chapitos,' lead a branch of the cartel and have been accused of extreme violence and torture as depicted in a recent indictment by the U.S.