- Treasury sanctioned cartel operatives accused of laundering fentanyl profits through cryptocurrency.
- Authorities identified brokers, cash pickups, and Mexico routes supporting cartel transactions.
- U.S. restrictions now block assets and disrupt suspected cross-border laundering operations.
U.S. Treasury officials sanctioned a cryptocurrency laundering network accused of helping the Sinaloa Cartel move fentanyl proceeds between the United States and Mexico. Authorities confirmed the operation relied on crypto transfers, cash pickups, and brokers connected to Los Chapitos, a faction tied to the sons of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control named Armando de Jesus Ojeda Aviles as a leading figure within the laundering structure. Officials accused him of coordinating cash collections across the United States before converting the money into cryptocurrency for cartel-linked transfers.
Authorities also sanctioned Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas, who allegedly led another trafficking and laundering organization connected to narcotics operations.According to OFAC, both networks helped move profits generated through fentanyl and other drug sales.
Federal investigators said the organization collected bulk cash from operatives inside the United States. The network later converted those funds into cryptocurrency before routing the assets back to cartel leadership in Mexico. Additionally, officials claimed the structure relied heavily on Mexico-based brokers linked to Los Chapitos.
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Treasury Expands Pressure on Cartel Crypto Operations
OFAC identified several additional individuals accused of supporting the laundering structure. Authorities said Jesus Alonso Aispuro Felix helped broker cryptocurrency transfers tied to the operation. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Alarcon Palomares allegedly handled money pickups connected to the broader network.
Treasury officials stated that all property and financial interests connected to sanctioned individuals now remain blocked inside the United States. Moreover, U.S. citizens and companies cannot conduct transactions involving those individuals or affiliated entities.
Authorities also warned that businesses owned at least 50% by sanctioned persons automatically fall under the restrictions. Consequently, the action could disrupt multiple financial channels allegedly used to move narcotics proceeds through cryptocurrency systems and traditional cash networks.
U.S. agencies continue increasing pressure on criminal organizations that use digital assets to move money internationally. Officials now argue that cartels increasingly combine cryptocurrency transactions with conventional laundering methods to avoid detection from financial authorities.
In conclusion, the latest sanctions highlight Washington’s growing focus on cryptocurrency networks tied to fentanyl trafficking and cartel financing. Treasury officials appear determined to block digital payment routes that support cross-border narcotics operations.
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