Police authorities in Antioquia have executed two simultaneous operations resulting in the capture of the nephew and the primary lieutenant of Juan Carlos Mesa Vallejo, known as “Tom.” Mesa Vallejo serves as one of the central spokespersons for criminal gangs within the urban peace table negotiations with the National Government.
Operation Double Axis: Strategic Arrests
The arrests took place under the framework of “Operación Doble Eje,” carried out by Sijín agents and special police commands. Sergio Alexánder Tamayo Mesa, alias “Álex Mentiras” or “Álex Chata,” was apprehended in the municipality of San Vicente.
Simultaneously, Jorge Oswaldo Zapata Berrío, known as “Jonás,” was captured in Copacabana. During the raids on two hideouts, authorities seized two pistols, two shotguns, two traumatic weapons, various calibers of ammunition, and $5,000,000 in cash.
The Structure of “Los Chatas”
Both individuals are identified as historical leaders of the “los Chatas” criminal organization. Originally based in Bello, the group extends its illegal operations into Itagüí, Barbosa, Copacabana, Girardota, and the North and Northeast regions of Antioquia.
The organization is involved in a wide array of criminal activities, including narcotrafficking, extortion, contract killing, illegal land urbanization, the corruption of public servants, illegal mining, and money laundering.
the group is integrated into “la Oficina,” the organized crime confederation of the Valle de Aburrá. This alliance provides “los Chatas” with significant influence over dozens of local neighborhood gangs.
Criminal History and Legal Proceedings
Both suspects have extensive criminal records. “Jonás” has a trajectory of approximately 25 years, while “Alex Mentiras” has spent two decades in illegal activity, using his direct link to alias “Tom” to coordinate mid-level commands and make decisive operational calls.
The duo was previously captured in 2016. After serving sentences for conspiracy to commit a crime, they returned to the streets to resume their illicit operations.
In the coming hours, they will appear before a judge of control of guarantees. The Fiscalía is expected to impute charges for weapons trafficking and aggravated conspiracy to commit a crime.
Pattern of Judicialization
This event follows a pattern of legal actions against the associates of peace table spokespersons from the Itagüí prison. In July 2025, the son, ex-wife, and a lieutenant of José Leonardo Muñoz Martínez (“Douglas”) were detained.
While a judge later granted those individuals liberty pending the process, they remain involved in a case regarding illicit enrichment and money laundering.
Future Outlook
Depending on the judge’s ruling, the continued detention of these two leaders could disrupt the strategic administration of illicit rents within the “los Chatas” structure. This may lead to a reorganization of mid-level commands previously coordinated by “Alex Mentiras.”
these arrests may influence the dynamics of the urban peace table, as the immediate circle of a primary spokesperson has been removed from the streets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the individuals captured in the operation?
The police captured Sergio Alexánder Tamayo Mesa (alias “Álex Mentiras” or “Álex Chata”), the nephew of Juan Carlos Mesa Vallejo (“Tom”), and Jorge Oswaldo Zapata Berrío (alias “Jonás”), who served as “Tom’s” principal lieutenant.
What is the relationship between “los Chatas” and “la Oficina”?
The “los Chatas” organization is integrated into “la Oficina,” the crime confederation of the Valle de Aburrá, which grants them influence over numerous neighborhood gangs.
What charges are the suspects facing?
The Fiscalía will impute charges of weapons trafficking and aggravated conspiracy to commit a crime.
How do you think the arrest of key lieutenants affects the stability of criminal confederations during peace negotiations?
