The Symbology Used By Criminal Organizations In Mexico

  "Enojon" and "Char" for Borderland Beat 

(Alleged 'Los Chapitos' gunmen burning a MZ embossed hat)

Around November 7th, an image circulated through social media showing an alleged member of the ‘Los Chapitos’ faction of the Sinaloa Cartel (CDS) burning a hat embossed with a caricature representing the rival faction ‘La Mayiza’ or the 'MF,' in reference to Ismael Zambada-Sicairos 'El Mayito Flaco, as both groups are involved in a violent power struggle for control of the base criminal organization. In the photograph the gunman is seen wearing a patch adorned with the Ukrainian flag and what appears to be the symbol of the coat of arms of Ukraine or the Tryzub, with claims that the individual may of been an operator in the foreign conflict that was recruited to fight in Sinaloa. 

In response, we spoke with those familiar with the conflict including Photojournalist Otto Rabe who would state the characteristics of the design to be fairly common, but could not confirm the exact patch to of been used in the Ukrainian conflict. For further confirmation we sent an information request to International Legion of the Defense of Ukraine in regard to the patch, but have not received a response as of yet. 

Over the years, various criminal organizations have used flags as principal symbols for their perspective groups and cells such as: 

Photograph by James Porrazzo on Twitter (Image of chest rig with a Rusos patch)

⁃ The flag of Russia by the ‘Los Rusos’ cell of the Sinaloa Cartel ‘La Mayiza’/ 'MF' faction.

Photograph by Astrolabio Diario Digital (Banner using the flag of Germany) 

⁃ The flag of Germany by ‘Los Alemanes’. 

Screenshot of video by Lameravrg_13 on Twitter (Flag of France overlayed on video of gunmen)

⁃ The flag of France by gunmen under the leadership of Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benítez ‘El 27’ or ‘El Perris’ of the Sinaloa Cartel ‘Los Chapitos’ faction. 

Image by ELNAYARITA8248 on Twitter (Flag of Panama with the Initials of 'Mayito Flaco' and  'Güero Reyna') 

- The Panama flag by the ‘La Mayiza’/'MF' faction by gunmen under the leadership of 'Güero Reyna'

A possible motive behind the use of the Ukrainian flag may be as a symbolic counter to the use of the Russian flag by the ‘Los Rusos’ flag, as symbols and symbolic gestures play an important role in messages and propaganda even if frequently overlooked. Although we could not confirm if the pictured gunmen was indeed a foreign fighter, there have been confirmed cases on the involvement and recruitment of foreigners by criminal organizations to participate willingly and forcefully in the narco-conflict.

Aside from patches, criminal organizations use a myriad of other methods of symbolism to publicly identify themselves to the general public and rival groups as seen with the use of Emoji's on social media posts, merchandise adorned with designs attributed to principal members, and caricature's that are meant to represent a figure or organization that may be plastered also over social media posts, patches, or in areas where the group had a physical presence in. 

Sources: Hyperlinked in Text

Categories: cartel de sinaloa, CDS, Char, Enojon, Los Rusos, Mayo Flaco, Mayo Zambada, mf, sinaloa