U.S. Treasury Imposes Sanctions on Jalisco New Generation Cartel: Targeting Fuel Theft and Financial Networks
The U.S. Treasury has announced sanctions and a new bank alert targeting the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Mexico's most powerful criminal organization. The Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on two Mexican individuals and nine companies involved in various sectors, including transportation, financial services, and real estate, linked to a cartel-related fuel theft ring. The scheme aimed to evade Mexican taxes while generating significant profits for the cartel.
In addition to the sanctions, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued an alert to financial institutions highlighting red flags of fuel smuggling from the U.S. into Mexico, particularly in schemes involving Mexican tax evasion. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the expansion of Mexico's cartels into non-traditional criminal activities to fund their operations, including drug trafficking that impacts American lives.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has recognized the widespread presence of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in 21 of Mexico's 32 states, surpassing the Sinaloa Cartel in terms of territorial reach. Last year, President Donald Trump designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and five other Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Mexican authorities have seized millions of gallons of stolen fuel from states bordering Texas, where organized crime groups tap pipelines and divert fuel for illicit purposes.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel has been accused of operating its own service stations, further illustrating the extent of its criminal activities. The ongoing efforts to combat fuel theft and cartel operations highlight the collaborative efforts between U.S. and Mexican authorities to disrupt illegal activities and protect communities from the harmful effects of organized crime.
In conclusion, the recent sanctions and alerts issued by the U.S. Treasury underscore the ongoing challenges posed by criminal organizations like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the need for continued cooperation to address these threats effectively. The measures taken aim to disrupt the cartel's revenue streams and prevent the flow of illicit funds that fuel their criminal operations, ultimately contributing to the safety and security of both Mexico and the United States.