By Elsie Kamsiyochi
Mexico has been gripped by both violence and a wave of online misinformation following the killing of one of the country’s most powerful and feared cartel leaders. After security forces eliminated Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes—better known as “El Mencho,” the longtime head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel—organized crime groups launched not only physical retaliation but also a coordinated digital campaign designed to spread panic and exaggerate their reach.
In the hours and days after the military operation, violent incidents did occur in several regions. Cartel members and loyalists set up roadblocks, burned buses and businesses, and attacked infrastructure such as petrol stations in apparent retaliation. Entire neighborhoods were placed under heavy military patrol as authorities scrambled to prevent further escalation.
But on social media, the situation appeared far worse than reality. Dozens of dramatic posts claimed airports had been seized, aircraft were burning on runways, and churches and city blocks were engulfed in flames. Many of these images and videos, reviewed by journalists and researchers, were fabricated, manipulated, or taken from unrelated events. Despite being false, they spread rapidly, accumulating tens of thousands of shares within hours.
Cartels Turn to Digital Propaganda to Maintain Power
Experts say the misinformation was not simply accidental but part of a deliberate strategy by organized crime groups to shape public perception. By flooding social media with exaggerated or false reports of chaos, cartels aim to project strength—even in moments of vulnerability, such as the death of a top leader.
The objective, analysts say, is psychological as much as physical. By creating the impression that violence is widespread and unstoppable, cartels attempt to undermine confidence in the government’s ability to maintain order.
“They are trying to show that the Mexican government doesn’t have control over the country,” said researchers who study criminal propaganda and digital influence. Even when security forces achieve major victories, criminal groups can shift the narrative online, creating confusion and fear that weakens public morale.
Mexican authorities have acknowledged the scale of the misinformation problem. Security officials confirmed they have identified numerous social media accounts suspected of spreading false information, some potentially linked directly to organized crime networks. Investigations are ongoing to determine which accounts are part of coordinated cartel propaganda efforts.
President Claudia Sheinbaum also warned the public about the surge of fake news, saying officials were working to quickly counter false reports and reassure citizens. She emphasized that while violence had occurred, many viral claims were deliberately misleading.
Rise of “Narco Influencers” and AI-Generated Disinformation
Mexican cartels have used social media for years, posting videos, issuing threats, or promoting their image through carefully curated content. However, experts say their tactics are evolving rapidly. Criminal groups are now taking advantage of artificial intelligence tools to create convincing fake photos, videos, and audio, making it harder for the public to distinguish truth from fiction.
Another growing phenomenon is the rise of “narco influencers”—social media personalities who glamorize cartel culture and promote criminal figures to large audiences. These influencers can amplify cartel messaging, intentionally or unintentionally helping spread propaganda and misinformation to millions of followers.
In the past, cartels often relied on recycled videos or stolen footage from unrelated conflicts. Today, AI tools allow them to generate entirely new and highly realistic content, dramatically increasing the speed and scale of misinformation campaigns.
Information Warfare Complicates Security Efforts
The spread of false reports has made it harder for journalists, citizens, and even authorities to understand the true extent of violence on the ground. In regions where organized crime exerts strong control, reporters often face serious risks, limiting independent verification of events. This information vacuum allows misinformation to flourish.
Security experts say cartels understand that perception is power. Even when law enforcement achieves a significant victory—such as eliminating a major leader—criminal organizations can maintain their reputation by dominating the online narrative.
“Security forces achieved a major success,” one analyst explained. “But organized crime has been effective at shifting attention away from that victory and toward an image of chaos.”
A New Phase in Mexico’s Battle Against Organized Crime
The death of El Mencho marked one of the most significant blows to organized crime in Mexico in recent years. However, the aftermath has shown that cartels are adapting, using digital tools and psychological tactics alongside traditional violence.
As authorities continue pursuing cartel members on the ground, they now face a parallel battle in the digital world—one where misinformation, AI-generated content, and social media influence can shape public perception just as powerfully as guns and roadblocks.
For Mexico, the fight against organized crime is no longer confined to streets and battlefields. It is also being fought online, where fear, rumors, and propaganda can spread faster than the truth.
Source Reuters
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