Joaquin Shorty Guzman

Joaquin "Shorty" Guzman is one of Mexico's most wanted criminals. He heads an alliance of drug traffickers based in Sinaloa, Mexico. In 2008, over 6,300 people died as Guzman's cartel fought turf wars with other drug cartels. Guzman is reportedly attempting to take control of all drug smuggling routes in Mexico and Central America.http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6520312.ece

On March 13, 2009, Forbes magazine named Guzman the 701th wealthiest person, with an estimated net worth of $1 billion.CNN: Mexican drug lord makes Forbes' billionaire list (March 13, 2009)

Guzman is constantly moving between safe houses, offering a reported $2 million to those that can safely provide him with shelter. He changes cell phones everyday, and has even altered his appearance with plastic surgery. Mexican authorities say Guzman imports ephedrine into China, which is used to make methamphetamine. In 2004 the U.S. DEA announced a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest and prosecution. A year later, the DEA captured his brother, son, two nephews and a niece. However, Guzman eluded them. He travels with bodyguards, and there have been numerous sightings of him throughout Mexico.

On April 26, 2008, Guzman's men were involved in a gun battle with rival members of the Arellano Felix cartel that left 17 Arellano Felix gang members dead in Tijuana.