JUÁREZ, Mexico — Federal investigators have revealed new details about the capture of a female cartel member, known as “La Diabla,” who is accused of being part of a network that lured pregnant women, conducted illegal C-sections, harvested organs, and sold babies.
Martha Alicia Mendez Aguilar, a member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was apprehended last month in Juarez, near El Paso, in a joint operation between Mexican and U.S. officials, according to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Investigators say the network sold newborns to U.S. couples for up to 250,000 pesos, approximately $14,000. Senior intelligence officials noted that the arrests involved support from several agencies, including the FBI’s El Paso office.