MEXICO CITY — Federal Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch announced this Tuesday the capture of Juan Lira Maldonado, alias “El Moco,” a high-priority target linked to organized crime, extortions, homicides, and the illegal deprivation of liberty in the state of Puebla.
The federal official identified Lira Maldonado, a former candidate for mayor of Chignahuapan, as a primary operator of a criminal organization with a significant presence in the region. He was also allegedly a prominent leader in “huachicol” (illegal fuel theft) operations.
The capture was made possible through “absolute coordination” with the government of Puebla, representing a significant blow to the structures of violence in the state’s Sierra Norte. García Harfuch detailed the specifics of the arrest and the evidence secured during the operation.
“In Zacatlán, Puebla, Juan ‘N’ was detained, an identified first-level priority target of a criminal organization. During the operation, firearms, cash, and communication devices were seized,” García Harfuch stated. The Secretary underscored the criminal profile of the suspect, emphasizing his high level of danger and his significant impact on the security of the region.
“This subject was linked to extortions, homicides, and the illegal deprivation of liberty,” he added to the press.
Who is “El Moco”?
Juan Lira Maldonado, known by the aliases “El Moco” or “El Chaparro,” has a high-profile criminal history in Puebla and neighboring Hidalgo. Ministerial investigations and intelligence work have historically identified him as a suspect leader linked to hydrocarbon theft, drug trafficking, and homicides in the Sierra Norte municipalities of Chignahuapan, Zacatlán, Ahuazotepec, and Huauchinango.
Lira Maldonado was initially detained in October 2020 in the municipality of Huauchinango by state security forces but was subsequently released. Despite the authorities’ accusations, Lira Maldonado attempted to enter public life and sought to compete for the mayoralty of Chignahuapan.
Following federal and state investigations—including inquiries into the alleged use of illicitly obtained resources—he had been evading justice until the inter-institutional operation. This joint effort between federal and state forces successfully put him back in the custody of ministerial authorities.
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