These individuals and entities operate networks that launder fentanyl proceeds and other drug trafficking activities for the Sinaloa Cartel.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions against individuals and entities linked to a Mexican cartel that traffics illicit drugs and launders the proceeds through cryptocurrency networks.
According to a Treasury press release, these individuals and entities operate networks that launder fentanyl proceeds and other narcotics trafficking activities for the Sinaloa Cartel. Laundering schemes redirect profits to Mexico via blockchain networks.
Treasury sanctions illegal drug traffickers
A multi-year investigation by U.S. authorities revealed that Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas ran the illegal drug trafficking network in the United States, while Armando de Jesus Ojeda Aviles ran the money laundering schemes on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel. This cartel, responsible for multiple violent deaths in Mexico and drug deaths in America, has been deemed a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the United States.
The sons of imprisoned drug trafficker Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzman Loera run the Sinaloa Cartel, with the help of the individuals who have just been sanctioned. While running the drug trade from Mexico, Aviles depends on associates like Penuelas and Rodrigo Alarcon Palomares to collect money and negotiate transfers through crypto addresses. Drugs sold include cocaine and methamphetamine.
A U.S. district court in Colorado indicted Palomares in April 2024 on charges of laundering drug proceeds. He was convicted of three counts of laundering drug proceeds through cryptocurrency. When he was arrested in October 2023, Mexican authorities found weapons and ammunition in his possession. Despite Palomares’ arrest, the Sinaloa Cartel’s trafficking activities intensified.
Protecting American Communities
Aviles’ network includes Mexico-based drug suppliers, money brokers and coordinators of huge wire transfers across the United States. He is also affiliated with Los Chapitos, a hyper-violent faction of the Sinaloa cartel, of which he became the main money launderer after the murder of his predecessor, Mario Alberto Jimenez Castro.
In addition to Avilés and Penuelas, the Treasury also announced sanctions against Jesus Alonso Aispuro Felix, businessman Alfredo Orozco Romero, Amalia Margarita Romero Moreno and Liliana Orozco Romero, among others. Most of these associates serve as money brokers, security advisors, and trusted people.
The sanctions reflect efforts to protect American communities and citizens. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “As President Trump has made clear, this administration will not allow narcoterrorists to flood our borders with poison. »
