World · Latin America · 2 hrs ago
Veracruz charges alleged CJNG leader over 2023 Las Bajadas massacre
Veracruz prosecutors have brought new charges against Iván Cazarín Molina, known as “El Tanque,” over a 2023 mass shooting.
The attack took place on 22 January 2023 in Las Bajadas, near the city of Veracruz, and killed three adults and two children; another child was injured.
Among those killed was Fernando Pérez Vega, known as “El Pino,” a regional CJNG figure who was travelling with his family.
Authorities at the time linked the attack to a fight between CJNG factions for control of the region.
Cazarín was arrested in Jalisco on 5 October 2026 and is already facing federal charges including organized crime, kidnapping and weapons offences.
The new case accuses him of qualified homicide and causing serious injuries, but the charges are allegations, not a finding of guilt.
Veracruz prosecutors filed homicide and injury charges against alleged CJNG leader Iván Cazarín Molina over the 2023 Las Bajadas attack.
The attack on January 22, 2023, killed three adults and two minors and injured another minor.
Cazarín, known as “El Tanque,” was arrested in Zapopan, Jalisco, on October 5, 2026.
The new charges were filed while he was in custody, in criminal case 862/2026.
He had previously been charged in federal proceedings and in a separate Veracruz kidnapping case.
- Who
- Iván Cazarín Molina, alias “El Tanque,” described by Veracruz prosecutors as an alleged CJNG regional leader.
- What
- He was charged with aggravated intentional homicide and aggravated intentional injury over the Las Bajadas attack.
- When
- The attack occurred on January 22, 2023; the new charges were reported on October 24, 2026.
- Where
- Las Bajadas, on the Veracruz-Xalapa federal highway, in Veracruz, Mexico.
- Why
- The charges relate to the attack; authorities attributed it to a dispute between CJNG cells over territorial control.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
An armed attack in Las Bajadas killed three adults and two minors and injured another minor.
Cazarín was arrested in Zapopan, Jalisco, in a joint operation.
Federal prosecutors secured his court processing on several federal charges.
Veracruz prosecutors secured his court processing in a separate aggravated kidnapping case.
Infobae reported that Veracruz prosecutors had filed new charges against him over the Las Bajadas attack.
- Suspect
- Iván Cazarín Molina, alias “El Tanque
- Attack date
- January 22, 2023
- Deaths
- Three adults and two minors
- Injured
- One minor
- Case number
- 862/2026