In a chilling revelation, a new report from the Department of Justice Inspector General reveals that a Mexican drug cartel hired a hacker to track a senior FBI official in Mexico City as early as 2018. The hacker exploited the city’s surveillance and communications systems to gather real-time intelligence, enabling the cartel to intimidate or assassinate potential informants.
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FBI Official’s Calls and Location Compromised
According to the report, the hacker managed to access:
- Geolocation data
- Call records (incoming and outgoing)
- Security camera feeds around the U.S. Embassy
This unprecedented breach of operational security occurred while the FBI was deeply involved in efforts to dismantle major drug networks, including investigations related to Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán, the notorious former Sinaloa cartel boss.
Surveillance Aimed at the FBI Assistant Legal Attaché
The cartel’s surveillance effort ultimately focused on the FBI’s assistant legal attaché — a critical role that liaises with Mexican law enforcement. The DOJ report cites an FBI case agent who confirmed that the cartel used the hacker’s data to target informants, with some being killed as a result.
Cartels Embrace High-Tech Tactics
This case highlights the growing technological sophistication of drug cartels, who now rival government agencies in their use of digital tools. According to former DEA acting administrator Derek Maltz:
“Cartels run a multi-billion-dollar global enterprise and utilize sophisticated surveillance to identify law enforcement activities.”
Officials from the DEA and CIA have reported an uptick in cartel activity involving:
- Cryptocurrency transactions
- Encrypted communications
- Drone and camera surveillance
National Security Threat Labeled “Existential”
The inspector general’s report warns of a broader, “existential” threat to U.S. law enforcement and intelligence operations from ubiquitous technical surveillance. With rapid advances in commercial technology, even non-state actors like cartels can now exploit vulnerabilities in U.S. security systems.
“Recent advances in commercial technology have made it easier than ever for criminal enterprises to exploit surveillance weaknesses,” the report states.
FBI Drafting Strategic Response
In response to the audit, the FBI is currently developing a strategic plan to address vulnerabilities and prevent future breaches. The bureau has referred all inquiries regarding the report to the Department of Justice, while CNN awaits an official statement from the agency.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for U.S. National Security
The DOJ inspector general’s report delivers a sobering reminder of how drug cartels are no longer just drug traffickers — they are cyber-capable transnational threats. With their ability to infiltrate surveillance networks and endanger FBI operations, urgent reforms and upgraded cybersecurity protocols are needed to protect both U.S. agents and informants operating abroad.