A leaked 2016 audio clip of Mexico's most-wanted cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," has resurfaced on social media following his death in a recent military operation.
Oseguera, the longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed after being wounded during a government-led operation in Tapalpa, a town of about 20,000 people in the western state of Jalisco. Authorities said he died while being transported for medical treatment after the shootout.
His killing triggered widespread violence across several states, leaving more than 70 people dead, including security personnel, suspected cartel members and others.
What the 2016 audio reveals
The nearly decade-old recording captures a voice believed to be El Mencho angrily confronting a police officer and ordering security forces to withdraw.
In the clip, he can be heard issuing an explicit warning, "Tell your sons of b***es to fall back right now." He continues with further threats, demanding that officers leave the area immediately.
"You better tell your people to leave us alone, it's Mencho's business. Get your men to fall back or I'm going to f*** up you and your whole squad. I have 30 of you located and identified. I'll even kill your dogs if you don't chill out bro," he reportedly says.
The officer responds calmly, "You got it, sir. I'll tell the police squads to fall back."
Throughout the exchange, the officer repeatedly replies, "Yes sir" and "Yes, boss," assuring the cartel leader that his men would withdraw.
At one point, El Mencho appears to reference alleged prior arrangements with authorities, saying, "Because all of you happily accept my money.”
He also issues a direct threat, "Get your s**t together or you'll be the first one that I'll make an example of."
"So if you guys want us to be friendly, then you be friendly. I'm so fed up that you guys can't understand instructions," he continued.
He warns the officer not to turn off his phone, insisting he would call again to confirm that police had retreated. Toward the end of the conversation, El Mencho apologises for his language and tells the officer to treat the withdrawal of forces as "an order from me.”
The audio, which circulated widely when it first surfaced, is again drawing attention in the wake of his death.
How El Mencho was tracked and killed
Mexican authorities said years of surveillance culminated in Sunday’s operation.
Defence secretary general Ricardo Trevilla said intelligence, including information from US agencies that helped track Oseguera through a romantic partner. Security forces followed the lead to Tapalpa, in his home state of Jalisco.
Special forces located him "hidden in the undergrowth," Trevilla said. Heavy gunfire followed as cartel gunmen attempted to shield their leader’s escape.
During the confrontation, Oseguera tried to flee with two bodyguards while a heavily armed group stayed behind to slow the military advance. Eight gunmen were killed at the scene — four more than initially reported.
Among the weapons seized were two rocket launchers, including one similar to the model CJNG used in 2015 to shoot down a military helicopter, an attack that demonstrated the cartel’s willingness to directly confront state forces.
Oseguera and his two bodyguards were wounded in the firefight. They were taken into custody and placed on a helicopter for emergency transport but died en route to Mexico City. Officials said they were already in "critical condition.”
Authorities redirected the flight to the capital rather than landing in Jalisco to prevent possible retaliation.
Following confirmation of his death, violence erupted across multiple states. Authorities reported roadblocks, arson attacks and assaults on government installations.
Oseguera had long been one of the United States’ most wanted fugitives, facing multiple arrest warrants for organised crime and drug trafficking in both Mexico and the US.
