A high-ranking member of a Mexican drug cartel who allegedly faked his own death and has been living in California under a fake name is now facing federal charges, the US Justice Department announced Thursday.

Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa — the son-in-law of Jalisco New Generation cartel leader "El Mencho" — was arrested in Riverside, California, officials said.

Ochoa, 37, was arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 19, and charged with international drug-trafficking and money-laundering offenses

A Mexican cartel leader, who peddled thousands of kilograms of illegal drugs to the U.S., was killed by a business associate for "lying" — or at least that's what the public was told.

Authorities announced the capture of a cartel leader who allegedly faked his death to "live a life of luxury" in the United States with his wife.

A high-ranking Mexican cartel leader who faked his own death to "live a life of luxury" in California has been arrested and charged with drug trafficking, US officials said Thursday. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said Gutierrez-Ochoa "allegedly faked his own death and assumed a false identity to evade justice and live a life of luxury in California.

Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa allegedly coordinated the transportation and distribution of more than 40,000 kilograms of drugs.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco highlighted the significance of the arrest: "The Jalisco Cartel—one of the world's most violent and prolific drug trafficking organizations—is weaker today because of the tenacious efforts of law enforcement to track down and arrest a cartel leader who allegedly faked his own death and assumed a false identity to evade justice and live a life of luxury in California.