Sinaloa Cartel Targets Social Media Influencers Amid Internal War

The power struggle within Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel between the faction of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán’s sons, known as Los Chapitos, and the rival group led by Ismael Zambada Sicairos, called La Mayiza, has spilled into the digital sphere. Flyers dropped from aircraft over Culiacán listed the faces and names of local influencers, musicians and public figures, accusing them of serving as front men or money‑launderers for Los Chapitos. Those named on the lists have been attacked; several, including César Gastélum, El Gordo Peruci and El Jasper, were murdered, and family members such as the brother of influencer Markitos Toys have also been killed.

The campaign has forced many creators to curtail their online activity or flee the region, highlighting how organized crime in Sinaloa is exploiting social media fame as a weapon in its internal conflict.