El Mayo Net Worth (Updated 2026).

El Mayo, born José Rodrigo Arechiga Gamboa, began his career in the Mexican drug trade in the early 2000s, working for the Sinaloa Cartel. He started as a low-level operative, but his strategic thinking and ruthless tactics quickly caught the attention of the cartel’s leadership. His rise to prominence was swift, and by the mid-2000s, he had become one of the most powerful figures in the Sinaloa Cartel, known for his role in expanding the organization’s influence into the United States.

**El Mayo’s Current Net Worth (2025)**

As of 2025, El Mayo’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $3 billion, according to the latest available information. This figure is a reflection of his successful and long-standing career in the criminal underworld.

**Career**

El Mayo, born José Rodrigo Arechiga Gamboa, is a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most powerful and ruthless drug cartels in Mexico. He has been involved in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and arms smuggling. His influence and power have made him one of the most wanted fugitives by Mexican and U.S. authorities.

**Other Ventures**

Despite his criminal background, El Mayo has also been involved in legitimate businesses. He has investments in real estate, construction, and agriculture. These ventures are often used as fronts to launder money earned from his illicit activities. Additionally, he has been known to invest in horse racing and breeding, a hobby he shares with other high-ranking cartel members.

**Assets**

El Mayo’s assets include numerous properties in Mexico and the United States, including luxury homes, ranches, and farms. He also owns a fleet of high-end vehicles, including SUVs, luxury cars, and even a private jet. His wealth is also hidden in numerous bank accounts and offshore investments. Despite his lavish lifestyle, he remains elusive and has managed to avoid capture by authorities.

**Annual Income**

Estimating El Mayo’s annual income is challenging due to the clandestine nature of his operations. However, it is believed that he earns millions of dollars annually from his involvement in the Sinaloa Cartel’s drug trafficking activities. His legitimate businesses also contribute significantly to his income, although the exact figures are not publicly available. His vast network of contacts and influence in the criminal underworld also provide him with additional sources of income.

Frequently Asked Questions about  El Mayo

Frequently Asked Questions: El Mayo Net Worth

1. What is El Mayo’s net worth?

El Mayo’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 billion.

2. How did El Mayo make his fortune?

El Mayo, whose real name is Luis Fernando Sánchez Arellano, is a Mexican drug lord and the former leader of the Tijuana Cartel. His fortune was primarily amassed through illegal activities such as drug trafficking.

3. What is El Mayo’s role in the Tijuana Cartel?

El Mayo served as the leader of the Tijuana Cartel after the arrest of his brother, Eduardo Sánchez Arellano, in 2008. He was one of the most powerful drug lords in Mexico until his arrest in 2021.

4. When was El Mayo arrested?

El Mayo was arrested on June 14, 2021, in the Mexican state of Sonora.

5. What are the charges against El Mayo?

El Mayo faces numerous charges, including drug trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering.

6. What is El Mayo’s relationship with the Sinaloa Cartel?

El Mayo was once an ally of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. However, their relationship deteriorated over time, leading to a feud between the two cartels.

7. What is the current status of El Mayo’s case?

As of now, El Mayo is in custody and his case is ongoing. He has not yet been sentenced.

8. How has El Mayo’s arrest affected the Tijuana Cartel?

El Mayo’s arrest has led to a power struggle within the Tijuana Cartel. His son, Jesús Alfredo Sánchez Guzmán, is believed to have taken over as the new leader of the cartel.

9. What is the source of the estimate for El Mayo’s net worth?

The estimate for El Mayo’s net worth is based on various sources, including law enforcement agencies, media reports, and financial experts.

10. How does El Mayo’s net worth compare to other drug lords?

El Mayo’s net worth is estimated to be one of the highest among Mexican drug lords, comparable to that of El Chapo Guzmán, who was estimated to have a net worth of around $14 billion at the height of his power.