Former Mexico City Borough Mayor Sandra Cuevas Named in List Linking Politicians to Organized Crime

In early September, authorities in central Mexico arrested Alejandro Gilmare Mendoza, also known as "El Choko," identified as the leader of La Chokiza, a criminal organization linked to homicides, extortion, drug trafficking, and illegal property seizures in the State of Mexico. It was a scandal, but it paled after the authorities revealed a connection with an important figure in the world of politics in the Mexican capital.

Following his arrest, images began circulating on social media suggesting that El Choko had both a professional and romantic relationship with Sandra Cuevas, the former borough mayor of Cuauhtémoc in Mexico City.

For years, Cuevas faced accusations of having ties to organized crime, allegations she has consistently denied. However, according to investigations by Mexico's Secretariat of National Defense and the Mexico City government cited by Narcopolíticos, an independent, collaborative journalistic platform that documents and publishes profiles of public figures allegedly linked to organized crime, Cuevas has maintained contact with multiple criminal groups throughout her political career.

Longstanding allegations

According to Narcopolíticos, rumors connecting Cuevas to organized crime began around the time she launched her political career. During her early days in office, between 2021 and 2024, Cuevas was reportedly seen touring neighborhoods in the borough alongside members of local criminal groups. On one occasion, she was accompanied by Antonio Vallejo, known as "El Toño," an alleged member of the Unión Tepito cartel who served as one of her bodyguards. Vallejo was arrested in 2021 by Mexico City authorities on extortion charges.

In March 2022, Cuevas was temporarily suspended from her role as borough mayor due to a criminal investigation into allegations of abuse of authority, theft, and discrimination against two police officers. During public demonstrations demanding her reinstatement, Narcopolíticos alleges that members of the Unión Tepito cartel took part in the protests disguised as local residents to support Cuevas's return to office.

Her suspected proximity to criminal groups prompted the Secretariat of National Defense to open an intelligence file on her in 2023, outlining her background and potential ties to organized crime.

That report included images posted by Cuevas on her social media accounts, in which she was seen holding firearms restricted for exclusive use by the Mexican military.

Relationship with leader of La Chokiza

One of the most widely reported alleged links between Cuevas and organized crime is her relationship with El Choko. Hours after his arrest on Sept. 10, photos surfaced on social media showing the alleged La Chokiza boss kissing Cuevas, identified as his former partner. Cuevas later confirmed the romantic relationship with Gilmare Mendoza and responded to criticism by saying she is not obligated to fully investigate the backgrounds of those she dates.

In a video posted to her TikTok account, Cuevas announced she was moving out of the apartment she had shared with El Choko. She described the move as part of a "personal renewal process" and denied rumors that she was planning to flee the country.

"I'm not leaving the city or the country I love so much," Cuevas said.

Cuevas's business empire is also under scrutiny. Her parent company, Sandra Cuevas Diamond Group, which includes businesses ranging from candy shops to an art gallery, is currently under investigation by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Mexico's Finance Ministry for possible money laundering.

Additionally, as Infobae México reported last year, her brother, Jaxiel Cuevas Nieves, who has supported her throughout her political career, has been identified by authorities as the leader of a criminal group known as Los Oyuki. The group is allegedly involved in extorting merchants by threatening them and then offering protection in return.