Part 6/9:

The Great Escapes and Mounting Fame

In the face of numerous arrests, Guzmán displayed an unparalleled ability to slip through the clutches of law enforcement. He was first arrested in 1993, only to escape in 2001 through innovative means involving bribery and what would become his signature—tunnels. After his imprisonment, Guzmán had the resources to maintain an opulent lifestyle behind bars, managing his operations with remarkable ease, until he was apprehended again in 2014.

His escapes carried an aura of mythos, effectively making him a cultural icon within Mexico and beyond. His partnerships with newsworthy figures, like actress Kate del Castillo and filmmaker Sean Penn, kept him in the media spotlight, painting him as both a daunting criminal mastermind and a misunderstood figure.