Fausto Isidro Meza-Flores, better known as “El Chapo Isidro,” is a Mexican organized-crime figure identified by U.S. authorities as the alleged leader of the Meza-Flores Transnational Criminal Organization, based in Sinaloa. On February 4, 2025, the FBI added him to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, making him the 533rd person placed on the prestigious list.
According to the FBI, Meza-Flores had previously been a high-ranking member of the Beltrán-Leyva organization and was described by authorities as a close associate of Alfredo Beltrán-Leyva before his 2008 arrest. U.S. authorities later identified Meza-Flores as the leader of his own organization, which they say operated from Sinaloa and surrounding areas of Mexico.
The U.S. case against Meza-Flores dates back more than a decade. He was initially indicted in the United States in May 2012. A superseding federal indictment returned in November 2019 charged him with a conspiracy involving the manufacture and distribution of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana for importation into the United States, as well as a firearm-related offense. These are federal allegations and have not resulted in a conviction against Meza-Flores in the proceedings described by the FBI.
When announcing his addition to the Ten Most Wanted list, the FBI said Meza-Flores was allegedly involved in trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and other illegal drugs. The bureau also attributed allegations involving kidnapping, extortion, torture and murder to Meza-Flores and his organization. Such accusations should be distinguished from criminal convictions and remain matters for the judicial process.
The U.S. government has offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to Meza-Flores' arrest and/or conviction. The FBI describes him as a Mexican national believed to be residing in Mexico and considers him a fugitive in the federal case.
His profile on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list reflects the U.S. government's assessment that Meza-Flores represents a significant organized-crime threat. At the same time, the legal distinction is important: being placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list or being charged in a federal indictment does not itself establish guilt. Any criminal liability must ultimately be determined through the judicial process.
Meza-Flores remains one of the best-known Mexican fugitives sought by U.S. authorities. His case also illustrates the long-running American effort to target senior figures accused of directing transnational criminal organizations operating between Mexico and the United States.
SOURCES
FBI — Fausto Isidro Meza-Flores Added to Ten Most Wanted List
U.S. Department of Justice — Federal Charges Against Meza-Flores
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