Drug Lord Joaquin Guzman Loera, aka “El Chapo,” Makes Forbes’ Rich List

Forbes’ famed “rich list” of the world’s billionaires contains a lot of the usual suspects like Warren Buffet, Carlos Slim, Bill Gates, as well as one controversial addition - 54-year-old Mexican drug lord Joaquin Guzman, head of the Sinaloa drug cartel. On the list, his industry is listed as “Shipping.”

“El Chapo’s” spot at #701 has caused some mixed feelings, particularly among his fellow Mexicans, and has raised questions as to whether  his illegal activities should keep him from being included on the list. 

Keeping an eye out for “Shorty” Guzman could potentially make someone else richer, too. The U.S. government is currently offering a $5 million reward for Guzman’s capture. He used  a laundry cart to escape from a Mexican prison in 2001, just days before he was set to be extradited to the United States. Crafty!

The decision has inspired a few passionate comments by visitors to Forbes’ site. Writes “primwolfie:”

this is very wrong!!!..how can you guys look for a drug trafficker and say he is on the forbes magazines…its a shame for us all mexican..this is like saying its good to be a bad person and still be in one of the greatest magazines of great business man/women who work hard and honest for their wealth and you went out and pick a drug lord… you should be ashame!!!!where is your credibility now????…

Commenter “JuanCaHdz” takes the time to address the United Sates’ role in “El Chapo’s” growing wealth:

It’s very shameful, for me as a Mexican citizen, I don’t have the words to express how bad this is it.
Unfortunately this is not new for us, you have to realize that the drug trafficking have the enough power to destabilize an entire society, taking lives of young people that are addicted or that work in the “industry”.
You’re the first country in the drug consume, this men it’s getting rich by destroying entire lives of people on both countries selling poison for the society. And you know what’s worst, he is not the head of the Sinaloa Cartel, he work for another man, El Señor. Can you imagine how powerful this men’s are? Not only in Mexico, but in the U.S. too. A lot of security agencies of both countries are dirty.

It’s true that Guzman wouldn’t have been able to get so rich without a demand for what he’s supplying. There is also the question as to whether making money through illegal means should be a concern to begin with. After all, it isn’t as if other names on the billionaire’s list - Carlos Slim included - have never been accused or suspected of using less than legal means of obtaining their lana. What do you think of Guzman’s spot on the list?

Click Below for Photos of  Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman

The World’s Billionaires [Forbes]

Mexico: Drug Lord on Wealth List [NY Times]