Mexico's former public security chief, Genaro García Luna, is set to be sentenced in a U.S. court on Wednesday after being convicted of taking bribes to aid drug traffickers. Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn are seeking a life sentence for García Luna, while his defense argues for a maximum of 20 years behind bars.
García Luna, 56, was found guilty of accepting millions of dollars in bribes to protect the Sinaloa cartel, a group he was supposed to be combating. Despite denying the allegations, prosecutors claim that his actions furthered a drug trafficking conspiracy that led to the deaths of numerous American and Mexican citizens.
Having served as Mexico's top security official from 2006 to 2012, García Luna was a key figure in former President Felipe Calderón's administration. He was instrumental in implementing a controversial war on cartels and was considered an ally by the U.S. in its fight against drug trafficking.
During his trial, evidence was presented showing García Luna's close ties with prominent U.S. officials, including former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former Sen. John McCain. However, prosecutors allege that in exchange for bribes, García Luna provided crucial intelligence to drug traffickers, enabling the safe passage of large quantities of drugs and sabotaging law enforcement efforts against cartel leaders.
Prosecutors also accuse García Luna of attempting to manipulate his trial outcome by bribing inmates to provide false testimony. His defense team highlights the personal toll the case has taken on García Luna and his family, citing public attacks and personal tragedies they have endured.
In response to the case, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed concern over the revelations about García Luna's ties to drug trafficking, contrasting them with his previous accolades from U.S. agencies and former President Calderón.
