The person at the center of this case
Melvin Perez Cardenas (fugitive suspect)
Cold Case · Open - Fugitive
10 years waiting · since 2015
MELVIN PEREZ CARDENAS
Justice for Melvin Perez Cardenas (fugitive suspect) — the trail went cold in 2015, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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suspect
Lead #1Where is Cardenas currently hiding? Is he still active in the Sinaloa organization?
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evidence
Lead #2What specific hostage-taking incidents and money laundering schemes is Cardenas connected to?
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location
Lead #3What are his known associates and safe houses in Guadalajara, Culiacán, and Los Angeles?
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. He remains a fugitive with suspected ties to Guadalajara and Culiacán in Mexico, as well as the Los Angeles area. A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his capture.
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.
📞
contact
Lead #4Who has direct knowledge of Cardenas's whereabouts or activities within the trafficking organization?
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 for 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:September 16, 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:September 16, 2026
Up to $50,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case