Ovidio Guzmán López, the 35-year-old son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, has admitted in U.S. court to coordinating drug shipments, overseeing killings, and bribing officials as part of his leadership role in the Sinaloa Cartel. His guilty plea on July 11 has provided new insight into how the cartel maintained operations by corrupting law enforcement and other officials.
In a Chicago courtroom, Guzmán, known as “El Ratón,” pleaded guilty to four of 12 federal charges, including drug trafficking conspiracy and engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. He admitted to orchestrating logistics for massive cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana smuggling operations using planes, boats, and even submarines.
Guzmán also detailed his role in coordinating security for himself and his brothers, and confirmed participation in the murders of police officers, rival gang members, and even members of his own organization. As part of the plea deal, he has agreed to cooperate with U.S. authorities and pay $80 million in restitution in exchange for a reduced sentence.
Ovidio’s cooperation may prove critical in ongoing prosecutions, including that of former Sinaloa Cartel figure Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. Guzmán will be sentenced on September 1, 2025, and remains in U.S. custody at a confidential location.
