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Mexican actress Kate del Castillo to be questioned over business ties to "El Chapo"

Xinhua, January 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

Mexican authorities said they plan to question actress Kate del Castillo over her possible business ties to drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, media reported Monday.

The news came on the same day when potentially incriminating text messages emerged on media between Castillo and Guzman's lawyer Andres Granados Flores. It is reported that the messages were sent when the escaped Sinaloa Cartel leader was on the run.

Guzman broke out of jail on July 11, 2015 and was recaptured Jan. 8, 2016.

Mexico's Attorney General's Office (PGR) said it was investigating whether there were any financial transactions between Guzman or his associates and Castillo, who was looking to drum up investment in a business project to market Tequila Honor.

According to the daily El Universal, in text messages dated April 15, the lawyer tells Castillo "I haven't been able to tell Sir about your tequila project ... he'll probably be interested in your project!!!!!"

Castillo replies: "wow, that would be divine!!!!!" She then sends promotional photos and videos of the tequila "for the investors."

After the lawyer confirms receiving the material, he again texts "probably he'll be interested and you'll become partners," to which Castillo responds, "(that would be) amazing!!!"

Conversations regarding the tequila project appear to continue three months later.

On July 10, a day before Guzman's escape, the lawyer texted, "we need your friend to send us the contract," and Castillo agreed.

Four days after Guzman fled prison, the lawyer texted "Have you heard the news?" and Castillo said "Yes."

"I'm celebrating, heeheehee," he added. Castillo shot back, "Me more."

Castillo made headlines recently as the go-between that helped arrange for U.S. actor Sean Penn to interview Guzman at a mountain hideout in his home state of Sinaloa.

Castillo, who holds dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship, is expected to be summoned to a Mexican consulate in Los Angeles, where she lives. Endit