Fact Check: Cartels operate a multi-billion-dollar enterprise using sophisticated technology.

Fact Check: "Cartels operate a multi-billion-dollar enterprise using sophisticated technology."

What We Know

Recent reports highlight the advanced technological capabilities employed by drug cartels, particularly the Sinaloa cartel. According to a CNN report, the cartel has utilized sophisticated technology to enhance its operations, including hiring hackers to surveil law enforcement officials. A notable incident involved a hacker tracking an FBI official in Mexico City, allowing the cartel to gather sensitive information that led to the intimidation and potential killing of informants (ABC7NY). Derek Maltz, the former acting DEA administrator, confirmed that cartels run a multi-billion-dollar global enterprise and employ state-of-the-art surveillance techniques to monitor law enforcement activities (Cleveland.com).

The Justice Department's inspector general report elaborates on how the cartel's use of technology poses significant risks to U.S. national security, describing the threat as "existential" due to the widespread availability of data that can be exploited by criminal enterprises (CNN). Furthermore, advancements in technology have made it easier for these organizations to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in law enforcement operations (ABC7NY).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that cartels operate a multi-billion-dollar enterprise using sophisticated technology is robust. The reports from credible news sources such as CNN and ABC7NY provide detailed accounts of how cartels are leveraging technology for operational advantages. The involvement of hackers to surveil FBI officials is a clear indication of the sophisticated methods employed by these organizations (ABC7NY, CNN).

Moreover, the statements from Derek Maltz, a high-ranking official in the DEA, lend credibility to the assertion that cartels are not only financially powerful but also technologically adept. His remarks about the cartels utilizing advanced surveillance techniques to monitor law enforcement activities underscore the complexity and scale of their operations (Cleveland.com).

While the sources are primarily news articles, they reference official reports and statements from law enforcement agencies, enhancing their reliability. However, it is essential to note that the portrayal of cartels can sometimes be sensationalized in media narratives, which may introduce a degree of bias. Nevertheless, the consistency across multiple reputable sources supports the claim's validity.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that cartels operate a multi-billion-dollar enterprise using sophisticated technology is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Evidence indicates that cartels like the Sinaloa cartel employ advanced technological methods, including hacking and surveillance, to maintain their operations and evade law enforcement. The financial scale and technological sophistication of these organizations pose significant challenges to national security.

Fact Check: Cartels operate a multi-billion-dollar enterprise using sophisticated technology.