The person at the center of this case
Multiple victims of organized crime activities
Cold Case · Open - Active Fugitive
11 years waiting · since 2015
MELVIN PEREZ CARDENAS
Justice for Multiple victims of organized crime activities — 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 relocated?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What specific hostage-taking incidents is Cardenas connected to, and who were the victims?
📞
contact
Lead #3What are Cardenas's known associates and connections in the Los Angeles area?
Melvin Perez Cardenas was indicted on October 15, 2015, for his alleged role in major narcotics trafficking, hostage taking, and money laundering operations as a member of the Sinaloa Drug Trafficking Organization. Despite an active federal arrest warrant, Cardenas remains at large and is believed to be hiding in Mexico, with possible ties to the Los Angeles area. The FBI is offering up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest and prosecution.
Case
#673
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); United States District Court, Central District of California
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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 #4Has there been any recent activity or sightings that could help locate him?
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
Federal Indictment Issued
Melvin Perez Cardenas indicted in United States District Court, Central District of California for RICO conspiracy, narcotics 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:October 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:October 29, 2026
Up to $50,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case