Alejandro ‘Omar’ Treviño Morales, alias ‘Z42’

Alejandro “Omar” Treviño Morales, alias “Z42,” was a member of criminal organization the Zetas and brother to former Zetas leader Miguel Treviño Morales, alias “Z40, ” who was captured in July 2013. Z42 was considered the natural successor to his brother before his own capture in March 2015 in Nuevo Leon. He operated in Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Nuevo Leon before his arrest and was transferred to the United States in February 2025.

What is Z42’s Story?

Treviño was born in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, and allegedly became involved in car theft and extortion schemes alongside his brothers at an early age. Various Treviño siblings later joined a group of military-trained enforcers who worked for the Gulf Cartel, known as the Zetas. In 2010, they broke away from the Gulf Cartel as an independent group.

While working under the Gulf Cartel, Z42 was active primarily in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. He continued to work very closely with Z40 throughout this time period.

In early 2010, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) offered a $5 million reward in exchange for information leading to his capture. Other rival criminal organizations also offered a reward for Z42’s death via narco-banners. In June 2013, for example, banners signed in the name of a Zeta splinter group known as the “Legionaires” appeared in cities across Tamaulipas, offering $1 million in exchange for intelligence about Z42’s location.

In March 2015, Omar was captured by Mexican security forces in Nuevo Leon.

Z42 was wanted for numerous crimes in Mexico and the United States, including a case handled by the Western District of Texas where Miguel, Omar, and their brother, José, were accused of using front companies in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma to launder profits on behalf of the Zetas. Filed in 2012, the case involved the use of US-based horse breeding companies in order to disguise dirty money. They were found guilty in April and are awaiting sentencing.

In 2015, Mexican authorities captured Z42 in Nuevo León. He was held in a maximum-security prison alongside his brother Omar until 2025. During that time, U.S. authorities say they oversaw the operations of the Northeast Cartel – the successors to the criminal organization they once led – in Nuevo Laredo. In February 2025, both brothers were transferred to the United States.

What Crimes Was Z42 Involved in?

Z42 participated in kidnappings, murders, and drug trafficking on behalf of the Zetas. The faction he led also engaged in extortion and taxing criminal groups and traffickers using the Nuevo Laredo border crossing. The Treviño brothers also established money laundering schemes in the United States.

Where Did Z42 Operate?

Z42 operated primarily in Nuevo Laredo, in the state of Tamaulipas. His criminal activities also extended to Coahuila and Nuevo León, as well as to the US state of Texas.

Who Were Z42’s Allies and Enemies?

The main rivals of the Zetas were with their parent organization, the Gulf Cartel, and with the Sinaloa Cartel. However, the group suffered several internal fractures. For example, a splinter group of the Zetas known as the Legionarios was created in 2012 with the mission of killing the Treviño brothers and their allies.

Before his transfer to the United States in 2025, Z42 allegedly oversaw the operations of the Northeast Cartel from prison. This group clashed with other splinter groups of the Zetas and with the Jalisco Cartel New Generation Cartel (Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación – CJNG).

What Lies Ahead for Z42?

Z42 is currently jailed in the United States, where he faces drug trafficking, weapons, and money laundering charges that could lead to a life sentence. He pleaded not guilty to these charges alongside his brother Miguel Angel Treviño, alias “Z40.” The case will go to trial, although a date has not yet been set.