Joaquín Guzmán López, son of 'El Chapo' Guzmán, admitted that he kidnapped Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada in Sinaloa in an attempt to gain recognition from the U.S. government and thereby improve his position in the legal proceedings against him and his brother, Ovidio Guzmán. This acknowledgment is detailed in the plea agreement Guzmán López signed with the U.S. Attorney's Office, which was made public this Monday. However, the document states that Guzmán acknowledged that the kidnapping of 'El Mayo' Zambada was not requested by the U.S. government. In the plea agreement, Guzmán agrees to cooperate in any matter in which he is called upon by the U.S. Attorney's Office. 'This cooperation will include providing complete and truthful information in any investigation and pre-trial preparation, as well as giving complete and truthful testimony in any criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding.' This is how 'El Mayo' Zambada was kidnapped: Translation On or around July 25, 2024, in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, the defendant Joaquín Guzmán López unlawfully confined, abducted, and kidnapped Individual A ('El Mayo' Zambada), who was held for ransom or other benefit, and intentionally transported him in foreign commerce, in violation of Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 1201(a)(1). Prior to July 25, 2024, Guzmán López arranged a meeting in Sinaloa attended by Individual A ('El Mayo' Zambada) and other individuals. As they entered, Guzmán López locked the door. At that moment, under his coordination, several men working for him entered through a window, handcuffed Individual A ('El Mayo' Zambada), and placed a bag over his head. He asked him to speak with him in a private room in the building. He also acknowledged that, as detailed below, neither he nor his brother would receive credit for cooperation for this act. The foregoing is set forth solely to assist the Court in determining whether there is a factual basis for the defendant's guilty plea and criminal forfeiture, and is not intended to be a complete recitation of all facts within the defendant's personal knowledge regarding the charged offenses and related conduct. Son of 'El Chapo' Guzmán admits kidnapping 'El Mayo' to gain benefits by Sebastián Barragán
