Los Chapitos Turned Over Videos of Cash Deliveries To High-Profile Figures as Part of Plea Deal, Journalist Says

Earlier this month, more than a dozen relatives of drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán — including his former wife, Griselda López — voluntarily surrendered to U.S. authorities at the San Ysidro border crossing between Tijuana and San Diego. The move was allegedly part of conditions outlined in plea agreements involving two of his sons, Joaquín and Ovidio Guzmán López, who are being prosecuted in the United States.

According to Mexican investigative journalist Anabel Hernández, the surrenders may be linked to "valuable" information that El Chapo's sons have already shared with U.S. officials.

Hernández said in an interview that evidence provided by Los Chapitos includes video recordings of cash deliveries, which she said are part of material included in the plea agreements.

"Joaquín and his brothers recorded people when they handed over money — just like El Chapo Guzmán," Hernández said. "Where are the videos El Chapo recorded?" she asked, suggesting his sons continued the practice.

As reported by Infobae, Hernández said the information shared by Joaquín and Ovidio Guzmán is so significant that the U.S. government agreed to relocate their mother, Griselda, along with 16 other relatives, and offer them protection in the U.S.

"The U.S. government doesn't just say, 'Sure, bring your friends over, don't worry. Just tell me, Ovidio, who you want, and I'll make it happen.' No. The accused criminals — in this case, Ovidio and Joaquín — are already cooperating and have provided very valuable information," Hernández added.

The journalist also said the information shared by Los Chapitos could implicate high-profile political figures, including former presidents Felipe Calderón, Enrique Peña Nieto and Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

She added that El Chapo had previously attempted to negotiate with U.S. prosecutors following his extradition, but his demands — including dropping all charges against his sons and reducing his sentence — were rejected and seen as excessive.

"Joaquín and Ovidio were more strategic in negotiations," Hernández said. "That's why they were able to reach a compromise with U.S. officials."

Earlier this month, separate reports alleged that El Chapo was offering sensitive intelligence on the operations, financial networks and political contacts of longtime associate Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, in exchange for improved prison conditions.

According to Oscar Hagelsieb, former head of Homeland Security Investigations in Ciudad Juárez, more of El Chapo's relatives are expected to surrender in the coming weeks in hopes of receiving the same protections granted to Griselda López and 17 others who crossed the border on May 9.

Meanwhile, Ovidio Guzmán is expected to plead guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges at a court hearing in Chicago on July 9. His brother Joaquín is reportedly engaged in similar negotiations.

U.S. authorities have not publicly confirmed the terms of any agreements.