Security forces in Mexico have arrested 13 people who allegedly coerced prospective employees of a fake private security firm into becoming drug dealers and hitmen for the Jalisco Cartel, which according to authorities is a sign the group is changing its recruiting practices.

Jesus Eduardo Almaguer Ramirez, attorney general of Jalisco state, announced on March 9 that law enforcement operations in the cities of Lagos de Moreno and San Juan de Los Lagos targeted the fake security company known as Segmex, reported Proceso.

The operations resulted in the arrests of 13 suspects, including one US citizen who was allegedly responsible for recruiting private security guards and body guards for the imaginary company, reported El Universal. Recruits were offered a starting weekly salary of 3,000 Mexican pesos (roughly 168 US dollars), and former law enforcement and military agents were promised an increase in pay.

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SOFREP has previously reported on the Jalisco Cartel

Featured Image Courtesy: YouTube screencap from a CJNG propaganda video.