US Dismantles Money Laundering Network Tied to Sinaloa Cartel

• Sinaloa Cartel Financial Network Sanctioned
• Shell Companies in Mexico Identified
• Key Operators Under Investigation

The United States government has sanctioned six individuals and seven companies accused of operating a money laundering network for the Sinaloa Cartel.

According to the Treasury Department, the network used shell companies to funnel drug trafficking profits—mainly from fentanyl sales—back to Mexico.

“Drug money laundering fuels the Sinaloa Cartel’s narcoterrorist operations and is made possible by trusted financial facilitators like those designated today,” stated Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The sanctions include asset freezes in the US and a ban on all commercial transactions with the individuals and entities involved.

US Targets Key Sinaloa Cartel Operators With Mexico’s Support

“Treasury will use all tools available to pursue anyone helping cartels drive their campaign of crime and violence,” Bessent warned.

The measures announced Monday are the result of a joint investigation by the FBI, DEA, and Mexican authorities.

Among those sanctioned is Alberto David Benguiat, identified as a cartel operator in Mexico City who allegedly laundered around $50 million.

Benguiat reportedly works under Jose Ángel Rivera Zazueta, also known as El Flaco, one of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada’s top operatives in the capital.

El Flaco is also believed to coordinate the importation of chemical precursors from China for fentanyl and other synthetic drugs.

The companies Benguiat allegedly used for laundering money include: Scatman and Hatman Corp, Personas Unidas Hoas, Grupo Zipfel de México, Grupo Unter Empresarial, Productions Pipo, and Grupo Vindende.

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All these companies are based in the State of Mexico and Mexico City.

Also sanctioned is Christian Noe Amador, a close associate of Benguiat, also accused of money laundering.

Alan Viramontes, linked directly to Iván Archivaldo Guzmán, handled large cash pickups and was included in the sanctions.

Salvador Díaz, who collected extortion payments for the cartel in Mexicali, is also on the list.

Díaz is reportedly “known for killing those who failed to pay” and currently faces two charges for drug trafficking and money laundering.

Israel Daniel Páez, also from Mexicali, was formally charged with money laundering on Monday.

The Treasury Department noted that the sanctions apply to any entity owned 50% or more, directly or indirectly, by the designated individuals.

“In addition, all entities owned 50% or more, directly or indirectly, by one or more blocked persons are also blocked,” the statement clarified.

Since Donald Trump returned to the presidency this January, he has officially designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.

To date, more than 600 individuals and companies connected to the cartel have been sanctioned by the U.S.

With these actions, Washington strengthens its commitment to dismantling the financial infrastructure of transnational organized crime.

SOURCE: EFE

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