Luis Cardenas, known as “Gangster,” is a convicted murderer who, despite being behind bars, is accused of leading Southern California’s notorious “gang of gangs” from his prison cell. According to federal prosecutors, Cardenas managed a range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, kidnappings, and murder, all from nearly 200 miles away.

Authorities disclosed that Cardenas, 48, orchestrated these operations for the Mexican Mafia, one of the most formidable prison gangs in the United States, by employing an encrypted messaging app on contraband cellphones. These devices allowed him to communicate with and direct high-ranking associates on the outside.

Federal prosecutor Bill Essayli emphasized the extensive reach of the Mexican Mafia, noting that its influence stretches from state prisons into county jails and permeates the streets. Cardenas, he said, was at the helm of Latino street gangs and drug dealers in cities like Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Fullerton.

Operating from Ironwood State Prison in Blythe, California, Cardenas, also known by aliases such as “G,” “Pops,” and “Tio,” maintained a tight grip over the streets. Investigators reported that he issued commands to gang members to engage in various crimes throughout Orange County, encompassing drug distribution, illegal gambling, and extortion.

Essayli further explained the peril faced by those who found themselves out of favor with Cardenas, stating that they risked having orders issued for their kidnapping and assault on the streets.

“Victims who had the misfortune of being in bad standing with Cardenas ran the risk of having him command orders to kidnap and assault them out in the streets,” Essayli said.  

The convicted killer would also direct the movement of cash and gang tax collections, issuing threats of violence and ordering his associates to kidnap and kill, Essayli added.

Despite currently serving 25 years to life in prison, Cardenas allegedly found ways to communicate with his lieutenants on the street.

Mexican Mafia leaders often get illegal cellphones through prison workers who are offered money to sneak them in, Essayli said. In other cases, delivery people may throw phones over prison walls.

Formed in 1957, the Mexican Mafia is a confederation of street gangs that coordinates narcotics trafficking and other illegal activities.

The Mafia serves as a liaison between local gangs and Mexican drug cartels, collecting taxes on the illegal drug trade and settling issues of territory and other disputes.

Its membership is small, with some estimates putting it at fewer than 200 people. But each member controls vast territory within the prisons and on the streets.

“It is a very powerful position, and there are very few of them, but they exert in a tremendous amount of control,” Essayli said. “One person will control their entire area.”

Cardenas controlled Orange County, officials say. When his affiliates were busted on the street this week, police seized guns, drugs and cash. They were charged with murder and kidnapping, among other crimes.

Although he is already in jail, Cardenas was hit Thursday with fresh federal charges for racketeering and conspiracy.  

“He’s going to be moved from a state prison to a federal prison, probably a maximum security prison, where it will hopefully be harder for him to find a cellphone,” Essayli said.

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