Arrest of Hernán Bermúdez Requena: This is how the alleged leader of La Barredora fell
On September 12, a coordinated international operation between Mexico and Paraguay culminated in the capture of Hernán Bermúdez Requena, alias "El Abuelo," the alleged leader of the La Barredora . The arrest was confirmed by the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, who highlighted the cooperation between the two countries.
Following instructions from the President, @Claudiashein of Zero Tolerance for Corruption, a joint operation was carried out led by the National Intelligence Center CNI, @Defensamx1 , @SEMAR_mx , @FGRMexico , @GN_MEXICO_ , @SSPCMexico , in which the arrest of… pic.twitter.com/2ULLcRGjDX
— Omar H Garcia Harfuch (@OHarfuch) September 13, 2025
International operation and transfer to Mexico
The fugitive's location was made possible thanks to the exchange of information enabled by the new National Investigation and Intelligence System Law . Once located in Paraguay, joint efforts were launched to arrest him and subsequently transfer him to Mexico, where he remained at the disposal of justice. Bermúdez was subject to an arrest warrant issued in February 2025 in Tabasco for criminal association, extortion, and express kidnapping.
The role of intelligence and international cooperation
The Financial Intelligence Unit and the National Intelligence Center were key in tracking his movements outside the country. Furthermore, Interpol Mexico had issued a Red Notice on July 17, 2025, which accelerated the operation and expanded its international reach.
Origin and evolution of the Sweeper
According to investigations, Bermúdez, along with Ulises "El Pinto," founded a criminal cell known as La Hermandad or Cártel Policiaco (Police Cartel) , linked to migrant smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and control of nightclubs in Tabasco. After an internal split in 2023 amid disputes with the Gulf Cartel, La Barredora , which is currently engaged in a confrontation with the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel for territorial control.
Background and previous accusations
A report by Mexicans Against Impunity and Corruption revealed that the federal government had been aware of this organization's operations since 2020, which included fuel theft and the operation of a clandestine refinery in Tabasco and Veracruz. Bermúdez's capture represents one of the most significant blows against organized crime in the region in recent years.
