US Treasury Targets Sinaloa Cartel Associates Over Crypto Money Laundering Operations
The sanctioned individuals and entities are accused of laundering profits generated from fentanyl and other narcotics trafficking activities linked to the Sinaloa Cartel.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control under the United States Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on several individuals and entities connected to a Mexican drug cartel accused of trafficking illegal narcotics and laundering the proceeds through cryptocurrency networks.
According to a statement released by the Treasury Department, the targeted individuals allegedly oversee financial operations that move profits from fentanyl and other illicit drug sales through blockchain based systems before funneling the money back into Mexico.
Treasury Cracks Down on Drug Trafficking and Crypto Laundering Networks
A multi year investigation conducted by U.S. authorities reportedly identified Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas as the head of the cartel’s drug trafficking operations within the United States. Investigators also named Armando de Jesus Ojeda Aviles as the individual responsible for overseeing the laundering of cartel profits on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel.
The cartel, which U.S. authorities have linked to violent crimes in Mexico and drug related deaths across America, has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States government.
Officials said the organization continues to operate under the leadership of the sons of imprisoned drug trafficker Joaquin Guzman Loera, commonly known as El Chapo.
Authorities allege that while Aviles managed operations from Mexico, he relied on associates including Rodrigo Alarcon Palomares and Penuelas to collect cash and facilitate transfers through cryptocurrency wallets.
The trafficking network reportedly distributed narcotics such as cocaine and methamphetamine throughout the United States.
In April 2024, a U.S. District Court in Colorado indicted Palomares on charges related to laundering drug proceeds through cryptocurrency transactions. He was later convicted on three counts connected to crypto based money laundering activities.
Mexican authorities reportedly discovered weapons and ammunition during his arrest in October 2023. Despite the arrest, officials believe the cartel’s trafficking operations have continued to expand.
US Officials Say Sanctions Aim to Protect American Communities
Investigators described Aviles’ organization as a broad network involving drug suppliers based in Mexico, money brokers, and coordinators responsible for facilitating large financial transfers across the United States.
Authorities also linked Aviles to Los Chapitos, a violent faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. He reportedly became the group’s primary money launderer following the murder of his predecessor, Mario Alberto Jimenez Castro.
In addition to Aviles and Penuelas, the Treasury Department announced sanctions against several other individuals, including Jesus Alonso Aispuro Felix, Alfredo Orozco Romero, Amalia Margarita Romero Moreno, and Liliana Orozco Romero.
Officials said many of the sanctioned individuals acted as money brokers, security advisers, or trusted front persons for the organization.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions reflect broader efforts to protect American citizens and communities from narcotics trafficking and organized crime.
Bessent stated that the administration remains committed to preventing criminal organizations from flooding U.S. borders with dangerous drugs.#crypto#cryptpnews https://coinsignals.net https://t.me/coinsignalpublic
