El Chapo's Son Reportedly Kidnapped by 'Criminal Group' at Mexican Resort

El Chapo's son was reportedly among a group of men kidnapped by a criminal group at a Mexican resort.

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The son of notorious drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán is believed to be among a group of men who were kidnapped by seven armed assailants Monday. Authorities said "it is presumed" that Ivan Archivaldo Guzman was among six men who were abducted at gunpoint at a restaurant in the resort town of Puerto Vallarta, the Associated Pressreported. The abduction is believed to be the work of an organized "criminal group," though authorities have not named the group specifically.

Ivan Archivaldo had reportedly taken over parts of El Chapo's business following his father's re-arrest in January. Raul Benitez, a security specialist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, called the son's mental health into question when speaking to the AP Tuesday. "Ivan Archivaldo was, I believe, a bit crazy," Benitez said. "He spent all his time posting things on Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter. A serious narco doesn't do that."

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Due to the confusing nature of Monday's incident, the total number of restaurant patrons presumed kidnapped was initially reported as being as high as 16. In a statement to NBC News, Jalisco state Attorney General Eduardo Almaguer confirmed the kidnapping took place at the La Leche restaurant in the city's hotel district. "According to witnesses from the place, several gunmen arrived to the place aboard a Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Suburban, who deprived the freedom of a group of people who were at the site," the attorney general said. He also confirmed that the abduction was believed to be an isolated incident, adding that no tourists were involved.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, local police discovered multiple vehicles presumed to belong to the abductees. A Land Rover, Cadillac Escalade, Honda CRV, Dodge Challenger, and Jeep Limited were reportedly among the vehicles left behind. Additional information regarding the kidnapping has not been made available.

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El Chapo, who has famously escaped from maximum-security prison twice, was recaptured during a shootout with authorities in January. "Our security institutions have demonstrated that our citizens can trust them and that they have the stature, strength, and determination to accomplish any mission they are tasked with," Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto said in a statement to the New York Times following El Chapo's most recent capture.​

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