# Nuevo Imperio Cartel Leader Edgar Aarón Vásquez Alvarado Killed in Security Operation Federal forces neutralized the cartel founder during a high-stakes arrest operation in Naucalpan. - **Source:** [Infobae](https://www.infobae.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9b6ec4c4-91e9-4167-b7d7-e6d5e792ef9f ## Operation in Lomas Verdes Federal agents from the SSPC, supported by the AIC and CNI, killed Edgar Aarón Vásquez Alvarado, known as El General, in Lomas Verdes, Naucalpan. The confrontation occurred on November 5, 2026, while authorities were executing an arrest warrant for organized crime. Two individuals, including Vásquez, died during the exchange of gunfire. ## Criminal Profile and Reach Vásquez founded the Nuevo Imperio Cartel, which operates across Mexico City, Morelos, and the State of Mexico. He faced investigations for high-impact crimes including kidnapping, extortion, homicide, money laundering, and fuel theft. His organization also facilitated drug trafficking operations targeting markets in both the United States and Canada for years. ## Links to Ryan Wedding The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Vásquez on November 19, 2025, for providing protection to Canadian trafficker Ryan James Wedding. Vásquez allegedly utilized his deep-rooted contacts within Mexican police corporations to track targets for Wedding’s criminal network. This collaboration was documented under Executive Order 14059, targeting those supporting the former Olympic athlete. ## Corporate and Security Ties Vásquez was a suspected former Mexican security official who maintained connections with high-ranking police commanders. He utilized these institutional ties to shield his illicit activities. The U.S. government blocked three of his companies: VRG Energéticos S.A. de C.V., Grupo RVG Combustibles S.A. de C.V., and Grupo Ares Imperial S. de R.L. de C.V. ## Homicide of Milton Morales Secretary Omar García Harfuch identified Vásquez as the intellectual author behind the July 21, 2024, murder of Milton Morales Figueroa. Morales was a dedicated official whose death remains a priority for the SSPC. Authorities stated that while the primary suspect is dead, the investigation into the broader criminal network continues. ## The Wedding Connection Ryan James Wedding, a former Winter Olympian, lived clandestinely in Mexico for over a decade. He led a massive network trafficking cocaine from Colombia through Mexico to North American markets. Following his January 2026 arrest, he was compared to major cartel figures. Vásquez served as his primary protector within Mexican territory. ## Biographical Background Born on February 14, 1984, in Mexico City, Vásquez was documented in the OFAC sanctions list using his CURP and Mexican passport. His official records confirm his identity as the leader of Nuevo Imperio. These details were cross-referenced with U.S. intelligence to solidify the case against his financial and operational network. ## Future Security Strategy The government continues coordinated efforts between the FGR, SSC, and state prosecutors to dismantle the remaining structure of the Nuevo Imperio Cartel. Officials emphasize that neutralizing high-level targets is part of a broader strategy to combat organized crime. Investigations remain active to identify and apprehend all remaining members of the organization. ## Sources covering this story - [El Universal – Nación — Cartel Leader 'El General' Killed in Security Operation](https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/abaten-a-el-general-lider-del-cartel-nuevo-imperio-es-senalado-como-el-autor-intelectual-del-homicidio-del-policia-milton-morales/) - [Infobae — Edgar Aarón Vázquez, Cartel Leader and Ryan Wedding Protector, Killed in Mexico](https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/11/05/quien-era-edgar-aaron-vazquez-alias-el-general-el-protector-de-ryan-wedding-sancionado-por-la-ofac-y-abatido-en-mexico/) - [Infobae — Edgar Aarón Vásquez Alvarado, Nuevo Imperio Cartel Founder, Killed in Operation](https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/11/05/abaten-a-edgar-aaron-alias-el-lic-senalado-como-el-fundador-del-cartel-nuevo-imperio-y-cercano-a-ryan-wedding/) - [El País México — Cartel Nuevo Imperio Leader Killed in Federal Operation in Mexico](https://elpais.com/mexico/2026-11-06/cae-el-lider-del-cartel-nuevo-imperio-en-un-operativo-federal-en-estado-de-mexico.html) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._