The publication
Who Is ‘Mayito Flaco’? Ismael Zambada Sicairos: Role, Charges and Status
What officials and news reports say about Ismael Zambada Sicairos, known as “Mayito Flaco”. Everything below is attributed to its source. Accusations are allegations, not findings: anyone not convicted is presumed innocent.
At a glance
- Name: Ismael Zambada Sicairos
- Known as: Mayito Flaco
- Role, as reported: Treasury says he now directs the faction's drug trafficking, murder, extortion, corruption and kidnapping operations. [News-Span, 2026-09-29 · news/research]
- Latest status (as of 2026-09-30): His DEA wanted notice lists him as wanted for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance (21 USC 846), describes him as a Hispanic male, 5'9", 175 lbs, brown hair and eyes, born 1982, last known address Mexico, and warns "Fugitive may be armed and dangerous." [U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration · official record]
- Link to a criminal group: linked to the Los Mayos (Sinaloa Cartel) in official U.S. or Mexican records cited below. See the Los Mayos (Sinaloa Cartel) profile.
- On this page: 8 facts from 6 sources (3 from official records). Unverified leads are not shown.
Role, as officials describe it
- He was born in Anaheim, California, in 1982 (44 years old in September 2026). [News-Span, 2026-09-29 · news/research]
- InSight Crime reports his base has historically been the southern part of Culiacán, with influence over the Golden Triangle (Sinaloa, Durango, Chihuahua) plus Zacatecas, Sonora, Baja California and Colima; the faction is also tied to fentanyl production and trafficking. [InSight Crime, 2026-09-03 · news/research]
Sanctions and designations
- OFAC designated him on Sept. 29, 2026 as part of an action against 21 individuals and 25 entities tied to the Sinaloa Cartel's Los Mayos faction in Baja California. [U.S. Department of State, 2026-09-29 · official record]
- Mexico's financial intelligence unit (UIF) applied a precautionary financial blocking in Mexico against the 46 designated persons and entities following the Sept. 29, 2026 OFAC action. [El CEO, 2026-09-29 · news/research]
Names and aliases
- The DEA's fugitive listing gives his AKA as "Mayito Flaco." [U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration · official record]
Key events
- Reporting on DEA asset seizures says authorities confiscated a 1982 Cessna Turbo 210 (serial #21064675) linked to him, along with luxury vehicles including a Mercedes, a Lamborghini Murciélago and a McLaren named in the forfeiture portion of the indictment. [Cartel Insider, 2024-04-02 · news/research]
Our coverage
- Who Is ‘El Mayito Flaco’? Anaheim-Born Ismael Zambada Sicairos, the Son of ‘El Mayo’ the U.S. Now Calls the ‘Undisputed Head’ of the Sinaloa Cartel’s Los Mayos Sep 30, 2026
- Xolo Gas Sanctioned: U.S. Targets a Former Business Partner of Tijuana Xolos Owner Jorge Hank Inzunza — Twin Sons of Hank Rhon’s Late Security Chief Sep 30, 2026
- Treasury Says ‘Gordo Flubber’ Ordered a 2023 Tijuana Killing: Inside the Sinaloa Cartel Cell of $5 Million Fugitives ‘La Rana’ and ‘Aquiles,’ Across From San Diego Sep 29, 2026
- ‘I Deny Any Relationship With Any Criminal Group’: Carlos Torres Says His Only Sanctioned Business Is a Tijuana Organic Market — as Gov. Marina del Pilar Says She Is Legally Divorced From Him Sep 29, 2026
- Mexico Blacklists Them Too: All 46 U.S.-Sanctioned ‘Mayito Flaco’ Targets — Including Baja Gov. Marina del Pilar’s Ex-Husband Carlos Torres — Added to Mexico’s Blocked-Persons List Sep 29, 2026
- Anaheim-Born ‘Mayito Flaco’ Among 21 Sanctioned: Treasury Says Los Mayos Hired Hitmen in Southern California and Bought Protection in Tijuana and Mexicali — Reaching the Baja Governor’s Ex-Husband Sep 29, 2026
- 60 Drone Bombs in an Unplated Pickup: Gunmen Open Fire on Sinaloa State Police in San Ignacio, 3 Arrested With an AK-47 and Body Armor Sep 27, 2026
- Gunmen Fire on Marines Near Mazatlán; 9 Alleged “Mayito Flaco” Cartel Members Caught With 40 Explosive Devices and a Machine Gun Sep 22, 2026
Los Mayos (Sinaloa Cartel) profile · More “Who is” profiles
Last reviewed: September 30, 2026. If you are named here and believe something is wrong, contact us via our corrections page.