#212 Katarina Szulc - Inside the Cartels' Secret Smuggling Operation in Port of Vancouver
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, security analyst Katarina Szulc discusses how Mexican cartels have expanded their operations beyond traditional drug trafficking. She explains how cartels now control various industries including oil theft, agriculture, and essential resources like water and internet services, while also forming alliances with international terrorist organizations to obtain advanced weaponry and intelligence.
The discussion covers the cartels' adoption of sophisticated tactics, including their use of social media for recruitment and military-grade technology for operations. Szulc details how cartel influence has penetrated both Mexican and US political systems, affecting law enforcement agencies and policy decisions at the federal level, while also examining the challenges in US-Mexico cooperation to combat cartel activities.
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Cartels Expanding Beyond Drugs and Human Smuggling
Mexican cartels have diversified their operations well beyond traditional drug trafficking and human smuggling. They've moved into crude oil theft, which brings in approximately $3 billion annually through sophisticated smuggling operations into Texas. The cartels have also seized control of agricultural operations, particularly in the avocado and lime industries, through extortion and threats. Their influence extends to essential resources, with cartels monopolizing water sources and internet services in some regions, forcing residents to rely on their services.
Cartels' Sophisticated Tactics, Technology, and Propaganda
Katarina Szulc reveals how cartels are leveraging social media platforms for recruitment, using glamorized content and narco corridos to attract young Mexicans. Their recruitment process progresses through encrypted chats and ultimately leads to in-person meetings. The cartels have also adopted military-grade technology, including armed drones and IEDs, while recruiting ex-military personnel for training. This technological advancement has allowed them to effectively challenge law enforcement efforts.
Cartels' Influence on US and Mexican Politics
According to Szulc, cartel influence has deeply penetrated both Mexican and US political systems. In Mexico, members of the Morena Party face accusations of cartel ties, with recent elections marked by unprecedented violence. In the US, cartels allegedly fund political campaigns and have infiltrated law enforcement agencies, including the DEA and ICE, potentially influencing policy decisions at the federal level.
Cartels' Alliances With International Terrorist Organizations
Szulc confirms that cartels are forming alliances with international terrorist groups, particularly from Iran, to obtain advanced weaponry and intelligence. Their propaganda techniques now mirror those of organizations like ISIS and the Taliban. While this has led to increased US-Mexico military cooperation, the Mexican government's reluctance to share intelligence has limited the effectiveness of joint efforts to combat cartel influence.
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Counterarguments
- The extent of cartel diversification into other industries like agriculture and essential resources may be overstated or not uniformly pervasive across all cartels.
- The effectiveness of social media in cartel recruitment could be countered by highlighting successful prevention and intervention programs that educate and protect potential recruits.
- The adoption of military-grade technology by cartels might be met with equally sophisticated countermeasures by law enforcement, which are not mentioned in the text.
- The claim of cartels penetrating US and Mexican political systems could be balanced by acknowledging the efforts and policies in place aimed at combating corruption and severing any such ties.
- The alliances between cartels and international terrorist groups could be less significant or strategic than presented, and there might be instances where these relationships are opportunistic rather than deeply collaborative.
- The reluctance of the Mexican government to share intelligence could be due to legitimate concerns about information security and the integrity of their own institutions, which is not considered in the text.
Actionables
- You can enhance your digital literacy to recognize and report online cartel recruitment tactics. By learning the signs of glamorized cartel content on social media, such as certain symbols, language, and music associated with narco culture, you can help disrupt their recruitment efforts. For example, if you notice a social media account posting content that romanticizes cartel life, report it to the platform and, if appropriate, to law enforcement.
- Develop a habit of scrutinizing political candidates' backgrounds and policy proposals for potential cartel influence. Before voting or supporting a candidate, research their funding sources, past statements, and actions regarding organized crime. Use online databases and news archives to check for any connections or suspicious activities that might suggest undue influence.
- Support local businesses and farmers to reduce the economic power of cartels in legitimate industries. By choosing to buy products from sources that can verify they are not influenced or controlled by cartels, you contribute to weakening their financial base. Look for certifications or statements from companies about their supply chains and choose those that commit to ethical practices and transparency.
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Cartels Expanding Beyond Drugs and Human Smuggling
Mexican cartels have expanded their enterprises into lucrative areas beyond drugs and human smuggling, exacerbating a crisis of crime and corruption in the region.
Cartels Diversify Beyond Drugs and Smuggling: Oil Theft and Agriculture
Cartels Steal Mexican Crude Oil, Smuggling It Into the Us For Billions in Profits
Cartels have made crude oil theft their second most profitable endeavor after drug trafficking and human smuggling. The operations are fraught with disaster, as unsafe tapping into pipelines has led to mass explosions. The illegal trade is sophisticated: recently, the US sanctioned three Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) operatives for smuggling stolen oil from Mexico, marked as "waste oil," and small American oil companies were the buyers. The scheme funnels the oil through Texas, bringing cartels around $3 billion a year. Mexican oil company Pemex reports the loss of 17,000 tankers worth of oil each day, with National Guard and local police implicated in the theft. Eleven National Guardsmen were recently arrested at a pipeline theft site. This shift in focus for cartels comes partly due to strict US border control measures impacting their drug trafficking and human smuggling revenue.
Cartels Seizing Mexican Avocado and Lime Operations Via Extortion and Threats, Controlling Supply Chain
Moving beyond oil, cartels have also usurped control over agricultural products. They now threaten and extort avocado farmers for a share of the profits, with many farms abandoned as a result. In states like Michoacán, cartels not only control but also run and profit from the orchards. Disturbingly, some U.S. companies buy avocados from these cartel-dominated areas. Cartel intimidation methods have grown so severe that U.S. agricultural inspectors ceased their work due to threats.
Cartels Profit From Essential Resources Like Water and Internet in Mexico
Cartels Monopolize Water and Internet, Forcing Residents to Pay For Essentials
Cartels are additionally exploit ...
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Cartels Expanding Beyond Drugs and Human Smuggling
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Actionables
- You can research and support ethical supply chains by choosing products from companies that provide transparency about their sourcing. Look for certifications or statements on product labels that indicate ethical sourcing, and use apps or websites that rate companies based on their supply chain practices. For example, when buying avocados or limes, seek out brands that explicitly state their commitment to fair trade and ethical sourcing to avoid inadvertently supporting cartel-dominated agriculture.
- Educate yourself on the origins of everyday products by reading up on the industries mentioned, such as oil and agriculture. Use this knowledge to make informed decisions as a consumer, such as reducing consumption of products that are frequently associated with illegal activities or choosing alternatives that are locally sourced and less likely to be involved in international smugg ...
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Cartels' Sophisticated Tactics, Technology, and Propaganda to Recruit and Evade Law Enforcement
Cartels are increasingly using modern technology, tactics, and propaganda to recruit new members and challenge law enforcement agencies.
Cartels Leveraging Social Media to Recruit Young Mexicans
Cartel-Linked Accounts Glamorize Lifestyle to Recruit Through Music, Videos, and Messaging
Katarina Szulc has gained access to group chats run by cartels, documenting their sophisticated use of social media platforms to recruit young Mexicans. These cartels portray a glamorous lifestyle through narco corridos, music videos featuring luxury items, women, and weapons, enticing viewers with the allure of wealth and power. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, are the starting points for these recruitment tactics, where the lifestyle is glamorized. Influencers like Valeria, a famous Mexican live streamer with a sizable following, are exploited by cartels to launder money or push narratives that glorify the cartel lifestyle. Valeria's murder during one of her live streams is believed to have been used by a cartel to send a strong message or demonstrate power.
Recruitment Funnels Individuals to Cartel Via Encrypted Chats and Meetings
Cartel-linked accounts on social media, such as TikTok, often have links in their bios directing people to a WhatsApp group chat. As an initial step in recruitment, within these WhatsApp chats, high-level operatives vet potential recruits with questions and personal information. The process progresses through several stages, including secure, encrypted communications, and concludes with in-person meetings for further involvement in activities such as specialized training.
Cartels Use Military-Grade Tech and Tactics to Evade and Overwhelm Law Enforcement
Cartels Employ Drones, IEDs, and Asymmetric Warfare Against Mexican Security Forces
Szulc discusses how cartels are not only using sophisticated recruitment strategies but also military-grade technologies to outmaneuver and overwhelm law enforcement. The cartels' arsenal includes drones weighed down with bombs, the use of IEDs, and even small drone swarms to launch attacks. The expertise to assemble and operate such weaponry, like vehicle-mounted miniguns, has been acquired by operatives, particularly in regions like Tamaulipas. The cartels continue to adapt these tactics, improving efficiency, such as deploying IEDs with drones that can then be retrieved.
Cartels Recruit Ex-Military and Police to Train Operatives In Advanced Tactics
Beyond technological advancements, cartels also recruit ex-military and police personnel for their expert knowledge. Cartel operatives are directly trained by former U.S. military and possibly Israeli e ...
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Cartels' Sophisticated Tactics, Technology, and Propaganda to Recruit and Evade Law Enforcement
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Actionables
- You can educate your social network about the dangers of glamorized cartel content by sharing articles and resources that reveal the reality behind the facade. Explain to friends and family how cartels manipulate social media to recruit members, and encourage critical thinking when they encounter such content online. For example, if you see a friend sharing a music video that glorifies cartel life, send them a message with information about the negative impact of cartels on communities.
- Enhance your digital literacy to recognize and report suspicious online behavior by learning the signs of cartel recruitment tactics. Take a free online course on digital safety and learn how to identify encrypted chat invitations or recruitment patterns, then use that knowledge to report any suspicious activity you encounter on platforms like Facebook or TikTok to the app ...
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Cartels' Influence on US and Mexican Politics and Law Enforcement
Katarina Szulc sheds light on the pervasive and concerning influence of cartels on both Mexican and US political landscapes, revealing links to political figures and instances of election violence.
Cartels Embed in Mexican Politics, Evidence of High-Level Corruption
Morena Members in Mexico Suspected of Cartel Ties; President Accused of Protecting Interests
Szulc suggests that members of the Morena Party, including the current president of Mexico, have ties to narcotics operations. Political figures from Morena have faced sanctions from the US, having their visas revoked and being linked to shell companies suspected of laundering cartel money. The governor of Baja California, Marina del Pilar, also from Morena, had her U.S. tourist visa (as well as her husband's) revoked amid suspicions and signs of an ongoing investigation.
The governor of Sinaloa, Ruben Rocha-Moya, is perceived to be shielded by the Mexican president during press conferences, despite the state's well-known issues related to cartels.
Cartel Corruption and Election Violence in Mexico
Szulc brings up the impact of cartels on Mexican politics, highlighting the recent elections as the most violent in history, with armed individuals at voting stations destroying ballots and ballot boxes. Previous president Andres Manuel Lopez-Obrador is reported to have endorsed the current president after receiving a substantial payout from the Sinaloa cartel.
Cartel Influence Infiltrates US Politics, Law Enforcement, and Institutions
Cartels Fund US Campaigns to Influence Border, Drug, and Other Policies
There is an implication from Szulc that cartels could be exerting influence on US politics by providing safe haven to figures like El Chapo's family, hinting at the potential ties and unrecognized influences cartels might hold. Cartels are said to fund US politicians and law enforcement, particularly in ...
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Cartels' Influence on US and Mexican Politics and Law Enforcement
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Actionables
- You can enhance your awareness by researching the background of political candidates before voting. Before casting your vote in any election, take the time to look into the candidates' histories, their affiliations, and any public records or credible reports that might indicate ties to questionable organizations. This due diligence can be as simple as a Google search, reading investigative journalism pieces, or checking out non-partisan watchdog groups that track political transparency.
- Start a habit of supporting local journalism and independent media outlets. By subscribing to or donating to media organizations that investigate and report on political corruption and organized crime, you contribute to a culture of accountability. These outlets often rely on public support to fund their investigative work, and your contribution can help uncover and disseminate information about illicit activities in politics.
- Encourage open discussions with friends and family ...
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Cartels' Alliances With International Terrorist Organizations
The presence and operations of cartels have expanded into a global network, with evidence of alliances forming between these criminal organizations and international terrorist groups. This presents a direct threat to U.S. interests and citizens.
Cartels Ally With Terrorist and Criminal Groups, Expanding Their Reach
Cartels have been actively diversifying their alliances, recruiting globally to establish a stronger international presence. These operatives work meticulously to avoid detection, suggesting a comprehensive and intricate network possibly linked to terrorist organizations.
Cartels Teaming With Iranian, Mideast Terror Groups for Advanced Weapons, Tech, Intelligence
Katarina Szulc confirms reports of cartels aligning with international terrorist groups, particularly those from Iran. The cartels engage with these groups to obtain advanced weaponry, technology, and intelligence. Their collaboration particularly focuses on undermining American strategies targeting their operations. Cartel members seek Iranian expertise to build a "firewall" that can anticipate and counteract U.S. actions against them.
Cartel Tactics and Propaganda Show Influence by International Terrorist Methods
Mexican drug cartels have integrated sophisticated propaganda techniques akin to those used by ISIS and the Taliban, including scripts, lighting, logos, background music, and overall presentation that mirror professional marketing campaigns. The professional quality of these materials and their widespread distribution on social media reflect the influence of terrorist organizations on cartel methodologies.
Cartel-Terrorist Alliances Threaten U.S Interests and Citizens Directly
Szulc and Shawn Ryan discuss the looming possibility of U.S. special forces being deployed to Mexico if cartels are declared terrorist organizations. Cartel membe ...
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Cartels' Alliances With International Terrorist Organizations
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The extent of the alliances between cartels and terrorist groups may be overstated or sensationalized, as these organizations often have different objectives and operational methods.
- The recruitment by cartels on a global scale could be a sign of their need to diversify due to effective law enforcement rather than an indication of strengthening.
- The claim that cartels are seeking Iranian expertise to build a "firewall" against U.S. actions could be speculative without concrete evidence of such specific collaborations.
- The comparison of cartel propaganda to that of ISIS and the Taliban might be an oversimplification, as the motivations and contexts of these groups differ significantly.
- The direct threat to U.S. interests and citizens may not be as imminent as suggested, considering the primary focus of cartels is often on drug trafficking and maintaining their market rather than engaging in terrorism.
- The possibility of deploying U.S. special forces to Mexico could be a contentious issue, potentially violating Mexican sovereignty and leading to diplomatic tensions.
- The statement that cartel members w ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal cybersecurity to protect against potential cyber threats linked to international criminal networks by updating your software regularly, using strong, unique passwords for each online account, and enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible. This reduces the risk of your personal information being compromised and used in illicit activities.
- Educate yourself on the signs of propaganda and misinformation by taking free online courses or workshops on media literacy. This knowledge will help you critically analyze content you encounter online, making you less susceptible to the influence of propaganda techniques used by any organization, including cartels.
- Support p ...
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