The murder of Marco Ebben, a suspected Dutch drug trafficker linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, reveals the violence and instability within the criminal organization, as well as raises questions about the possible involvement of the cartel in faking the deaths of its members. The alleged death of Ebben in 2024 and his subsequent appearance in Mexico with a false identity suggest a strategy by the cartel to protect its members and confuse authorities.
The internationalization of drug trafficking is evident with the involvement of a Dutch citizen in the operations of the Sinaloa Cartel and his possible connection to criminal networks in Europe. The murder of Ebben could significantly impact the internal dynamics of the cartel, especially in the rivalry between the factions "Los Chapitos" and "La Mayiza." One faction suspected Ebben and feared that his arrest would endanger other fake deaths within the group.
The operation to capture Ebben, prepared by naval forces in Atizapán, was thwarted by his murder. The Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR) demonstrated its commitment to the fight against drug trafficking with this intelligence deployment. Ebben, known as 'El Holandés,' had a criminal record in the Netherlands and was convicted of smuggling.
Marco Ebben's murder may be related to the internal struggle of the Sinaloa Cartel between "Los Chapitos" and allies of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. It is believed that Ebben traveled to Mexico with a Russian passport to support the "La Mayiza" faction. Authorities confirmed that Ebben was an accused drug trafficker involved in international drug trafficking. During the raid on his apartment, weapons and tactical gear were found, suggesting he was prepared for confrontations. Investigations continue to clarify the events and bring those responsible to justice. The incident took place in February 2025 in the Real Antigua neighborhood, where Ebben used false identities to evade justice.
