Summary
The United States has placed sanctions on three Mexican financial institutions, accusing them of facilitating money laundering for drug cartels. This action is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to combat opioid trafficking and crack down on Latin American criminal networks, including disrupting financial collaborations that support drug operations.
Key Facts
- The U.S. targeted CIBanco, Intercam Banco, and Vector Casa de Bolsa for alleged money laundering.
- The U.S. Department of the Treasury linked these banks to the trafficking of fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid.
- The banks were the first to be sanctioned under the Fentanyl Sanctions Act and the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, both aiming to combat opioid trafficking.
- Sanctions include blocking financial transfers between these Mexican banks and U.S. banks.
- Mexico's government has not received evidence to justify the U.S. sanctions.
- CIBanco is allegedly linked to several cartels, including the Beltran-Leyva, CJNG, and Gulf Cartel.
- Intercam Banco is also accused of connections to the CJNG cartel.
- Vector Casa de Bolsa, accused of ties with the Sinaloa Cartel and Gulf Cartel, denies the allegations and plans to cooperate in resolving the issue.
