In Texas, the intersection of cybercrime and organized crime (cartels, mafias, and gangs) has evolved into a sophisticated hierarchy where domestic groups increasingly function as “subcontractors” for transnational cartels

. As of 2026, these organizations utilize digital platforms and cyber tactics to manage logistics, distribution, and extortion. 

Dominant Criminal Organizations in Texas

• Mexican Cartels: The Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) maintain the strongest influence. The Gulf Cartel continues to dominate drug smuggling through South Texas, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley and Houston.
• Texas Mexican Mafia (TMM/Mexikanemi): Based primarily in San Antonio, this is a distinct entity from the California-based Mexican Mafia. TMM functions as a “taxing” authority, demanding a percentage (often 10%) from local drug dealers for protection and the right to operate.
• Motorcycle Gangs (MCs) and Street Gangs:Groups like the Bandidos MC, Bloods, Crips, and MS-13 increasingly act under the command of cartels.
• Emerging Threats: The Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TDA) has recently expanded into Texas, prompting the state to develop new databases specifically to track and neutralize their growth. 

Cyber Tactics and Digital Operations

Criminal organizations in Texas have shifted toward “collective intelligence” to maximize efficiency and evade law enforcement. 

• Front Businesses: Undercover investigations have revealed cell phone businesses in major cities like Houston acting as front operations for cartel logistics and laundering.
• Cyber Extortion Layers: Organized cyber-gangs have moved beyond simple data theft to quadruple extortion:
  1. Encryption: Locking victim data for ransom.
  2. Data Leakage: Threatening to publish sensitive information on the dark web.
  3. DDoS Attacks: Threatening to disable a victim’s entire IT infrastructure.
  4. Blackmail/Harassment: Publicly shaming companies to force payment.
• Communication: Leaders manage operations from within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) using smuggled devices to coordinate “hits” and drug distribution nationwide. 

Law Enforcement Response

• Operation Lone Star: This multi-agency effort has resulted in over 49,400 criminal arrests and the seizure of more than 588 million lethal doses of fentanyl as of late 2024/early 2025.
• RICO Prosecutions: Federal agencies continue to use the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act to dismantle gang leadership, such as the 25-year sentencing of high-ranking TMM leader David Botello in August 2025.
• 10 Most Wanted: Texas maintains a “10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants” list specifically targeting repeat offenders involved in gang and cartel-related violence.