Financial Crime World

U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Key Figure in Mexican Cartel

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed financial sanctions on Sergio Armando Orozco Rodriguez, a key figure in Mexico’s Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), for his involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering.

Collaborative Effort

The designation was made in collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Government of Mexico. Orozco Rodriguez acts as a facilitator for the CJNG cartel, which is responsible for trafficking significant quantities of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the United States.

Sanctions Imposed

The sanctions imposed on Orozco Rodriguez include:

  • Freezing all assets in the United States or held by U.S. persons
  • Prohibiting any transactions with him

These measures are intended to disrupt the financial networks of drug cartels and hold accountable those involved in drug trafficking.

Background

Since 2015, OFAC has designated numerous businesses and individuals linked to CJNG and its allies, including:

  • Shopping centers
  • Real estate companies
  • Agricultural companies
  • Luxury hotels

This latest designation is part of a broader effort by OFAC to disrupt the financial networks of drug cartels.

Quote

“This individual is just one example of the many corrupt actors who help CJNG infiltrate the economy of Puerto Vallarta and intimidate legitimate businesses,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. “We will continue to work with our U.S. partners and the Mexican government to expose and disrupt CJNG, from its leadership to its facilitators.”

Impact

The sanctions are seen as a blow to the cartel’s efforts to integrate their illicit profits into the legitimate economy. The designation is also intended to send a message to other individuals and organizations involved in drug trafficking that they will be held accountable for their actions.

Global Threat

Drug trafficking poses a significant threat globally, responsible for tens of thousands of deaths annually in the United States. The U.S. government is committed to combating this threat through a variety of measures, including financial sanctions and law enforcement efforts.