According to Mexico's security department, the gang leader was arrested along with another person on the highway between Cancún and Mérida. Narcotics were also seized during the arrest.
"The arrested person is believed to be responsible for violent crimes in Europe linked to weapons and narcotics offenses, in addition to money laundering," the authorities write.
We are aware of the information about the arrest and are working intensively with the case, says Caroline Wiklund, press secretary at the police's national media center, to TT.
Several serious crimes
The man, who is suspected of a number of serious crimes in Sweden, has been detained in his absence by both the Sundsvall and Södertälje district courts. He has also been internationally wanted by Interpol.
Criminologist Amir Rostami describes the arrest as a positive step forward in the work with Swedish organized crime.
We see that more and more key individuals abroad are being arrested and incapacitated, and it sends clear signals that you cannot hide completely, the judicial system will catch up with them sooner or later, he says.
To be extradited
Sweden lacks an extradition agreement with Mexico, but according to the Mexican authorities, the man will be extradited to Sweden.
"The detainees were informed of their legal rights at the time of arrest and were then taken to a suitable immigration station to later be sent to Europe and handed over to the Swedish police," it says in the press release.
The significance the arrest will have in the criminal world in Sweden remains to be seen.
It can create a temporary power vacuum that can be inhibiting, but also open up for new people who want to climb up the hierarchy, says Amir Rostami.
