Treasury sanctions nearly 50 Sinaloa Cartel leaders, associates and companies, including Ismael Zambada Sicairos
The Treasury Department says the designations target cartel leaders, money launderers and corrupt politicians who help the group operate near the U.S.-Mexico border.
What we know
- Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned nearly 50 targets tied to the Sinaloa Cartel, including 21 individuals and 25 entities, the Treasury Department said on X. [1]
- The designations include cartel leader Ismael Zambada Sicairos and members of his innermost circle, according to Treasury. [1]
- Treasury said the targets also include Tijuana-based cell leaders, money launderers and corrupt politicians who allow the cartel to operate near the U.S.-Mexico border. [1]
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a post on X that the Trump Administration will identify and disrupt any cartel actor who threatens U.S. security or the integrity of its financial system. [2]
- Not yet confirmed: The sources do not name the other individuals and entities designated, and they do not describe the specific allegations against them. The claims about corruption and cartel operations are Treasury's own. The sources do not say whether any of those named have responded.
The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned nearly 50 targets linked to the Sinaloa Cartel on Tuesday, the department said in a post on X.[1]
Treasury said the action covers 21 individuals and 25 entities. It said they serve as leaders or facilitators for the cartel.[1]
Among those designated is cartel leader Ismael Zambada Sicairos, along with members of his innermost circle, Treasury said. The department also listed Tijuana-based cell leaders, money launderers and corrupt politicians. It said these are people who let the Sinaloa Cartel operate with impunity just miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.[1]
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a separate post on X that the action shows no cartel kingpin, corrupt Mexican government official or financial facilitator is beyond the reach of Treasury's authorities.[2]
"Our message is clear: the Trump Administration will identify and disrupt any cartel actor who threatens our security or the integrity of our financial system," Bessent wrote.[2]
The posts did not name the other people and companies designated or give details of the conduct behind each designation.
RECEIPTS · 2 SOURCES
- 1POST ON X · @USTreasury (Treasury Department)Today, Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned nearly 50 targets who serve as leaders or facilitators for the Sinaloa Cartel.Open source ↗ Archived copy
- 2POST ON X · @SecScottBessent (Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent)Today’s action underscores that no cartel kingpin, corrupt Mexican government official, or financial facilitator is beyond the reach of TreaOpen source ↗ Archived copy