The person at the center of this case
Melvin Perez Cardenas (fugitive)
Cold Case · Open - Fugitive at Large
10 years waiting · since 2015
MELVIN PEREZ CARDENAS
Justice for Melvin Perez Cardenas (fugitive) — the trail went cold in 2015, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1Where is Cardenas currently hiding? Is he still in Mexico or has he fled to another country?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What specific hostage-taking incidents is Cardenas connected to, and what evidence links him to these crimes?
📞
contact
Lead #3Who are Cardenas's known associates and family members who might be harboring him or facilitating his operations?
Melvin Perez Cardenas was indicted on October 15, 2015, for his alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking, hostage taking, and money laundering as a member of the Sinaloa Drug Trafficking Organization. Despite the serious charges and a $50,000 reward, Cardenas remains at large and is believed to be hiding in Mexico, possibly in Guadalajara or Culiacan. His capture would significantly disrupt a major criminal organization's operations and bring justice for victims of organized crime violence.
Case
#673
United States District Court, Central District of California; FBI
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
💡
clue
Lead #4What financial records or money laundering networks can be traced to identify his current location or assets?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Conspiracy; Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering; Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances; Hostage Taking Conspiracy and Hostage Taking; Conspiracy to Launder Money; Carry and Use of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Crime; Criminal Forfeiture Caution: Melvin Perez Cardenas is wanted for his alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking, hostage taking, and money laundering as part of the Sinaloa Drug Trafficking Organization. On October 15, 2015, Cardenas was indicted in the United States District Court, Central District of California, Los Angeles, California, and an arrest warrant was issued for his arrest based on the following charges: Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Conspiracy; Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering; Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances: Hostage Taking Conspiracy and Hostage Taking; Conspiracy to Launder Money; Carry and Use of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Crime; and Criminal Forfeiture.
Remarks: Cardenas may be residing in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico or Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. He also has ties to the Los Angeles, California, area.
Timeline of Events
🕵️
2015-10-15
Indictment Issued
Melvin Perez Cardenas indicted in United States District Court, Central District of California on charges related to RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking, hostage taking, and money laundering
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:October 15, 2015
Last Updated:April 29, 2026
Up to $50,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:October 15, 2015
Last Updated:April 29, 2026
Up to $50,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case