Infiltration, Subversion, Sabotage, Espionage and Terrorism the Mexican Cartel Way

Infiltration, Subversion, Sabotage, Espionage and Terrorism the Mexican Cartel Way

The source article for this commentary highlights the greatest potential threat posed by Mexico’s Narco-Insurgents- the ability to infiltrate trusted networks and subvert the stability, safety and security of US neighborhoods.  As one can see, they’ve already done this in Mexico.

If the US fails to mitigate infiltration within its own borders, the US will also see an increase of instability in areas of the US.

The article alludes that some of this is already occurring within US borders.

·         The cartels had a US government female insider who was both facilitating cartel logistics operations, as well as intelligence recruitment.  There are likely other cartel operatives, she just happened to be caught…AFTER a four-year long investigation.  Meanwhile, how many other potential agents were possibly ignored due to lack of resources?

·         It appears the cartel intelligence network was managed by a controller who managed the overall network.  The female US official basically spotted and assessed persons of interest who may be of value to the cartels.

·         The source article notes that corruption investigations have tripled to quadrupled from 2006 to 2010.

·         The source article also notes how the cartel targeted people for intelligence recruitment.  They concentrated on the traditional MICE- Money, Ideology, Coercion and Ego.  Sex, personal problems were sought after in persons who had placement and access to facilitate cartel operations.

The US Needs A Vibrant Counterintelligence Program

Disrupting such influences requires thorough background checks and increased monitoring.  Instead of sending National Guard with no legal authorities to reinforce the border, maybe some of them could be used to conduct thorough background investigations, or help oversee border checkpoints alongside the border security elements.  This may help disrupt some cartel cross border activity.

Additionally, profiles need to identify who is a target for recruitment.  Who can be blackmailed?  Who has family members in Mexico and can be extorted? Etc…  These are some basic questions security professionals should be asking about their employees and their families.

Visit Washington Post Link for the full report:  Woman’s links to Mexican drug cartel a saga of corruption on U.S. side of border; 12 Sep 10.