Fausto Soto Miller, known as “El Chef” or “El Cocinero,” has been imprisoned since September 1996, accused of being a key figure in the Arellano Félix Cartel and of participating in the murder of Dr. Ernesto Ibarra Santés, deputy deputy of the then Attorney General’s Office in Tijuana.
According to court documents, Soto Miller confessed to his involvement with the organization and detailed his participation in criminal activities, including a failed attempt to assassinate Amado Carrillo Fuentes, known as “El Señor de los Cielos.” These revelations are part of criminal case 76/2000-III, brought before the Tenth Criminal Court of the Federal District. A text taken from the Dobleplana collection by journalist Jesús Blancornelas explains that Soto Miller, who before becoming involved in drug trafficking was a renowned chef at the seafood restaurant “Boca del Río” in Tijuana, was recruited by Ramón Arellano Félix.
The latter, a cartel leader, frequented the restaurant and was impressed by Soto Miller’s culinary talent, so much so that he brought him into his inner circle. Over time, the chef left the kitchen to become a key operator within the criminal organization.
