DTOs, such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, CJNG) and Sinaloa Cartel (Cártel de Sinaloa, CDS), have leveraged new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, to expand the reach of their illicit activities. Criminal groups have enhanced their ability to conduct online scams and extortion operations, using deepfakes posing as legitimate businesses or law firms to defraud victims of large amounts of money. This creates serious reputational risk for companies operating in Mexico, as victims may believe it was the business that conducted the scam rather than DTOs posing as it. DTOs have also increasingly used cryptocurrencies to launder such ill-gotten money more effectively, making it easier for the groups to move large amounts of money without being detected by authorities.
In addition to targeting businesses, DTOs also target the state in cybercrimes; military officials stated April 25 that they were investigating an elaborate network of hackers connected to CJNG that attempted to breach multiple national security agencies, along with PEMEX, the state-owned oil company that is a major supplier to international markets. As existing technologies evolve in capability, threat actors are highly likely to escalate their activities over the coming months.
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