Introduction
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced on Wednesday that it has imposed sanctions on the assets of four individuals linked to the Northeast Cartel, including popular hip-hop artist El Makabelico.
Background on the Northeast Cartel
The Northeast Cartel is a Mexican drug trafficking organization that split from Los Zetas. It has been designated as a global terrorist organization by the U.S. government under President Donald Trump’s administration in February.
The cartel is known for its violent tactics and significant influence along the U.S.-Mexico border, particularly in Laredo, Texas, according to the Treasury Department.
Sanctioned Individuals
The sanctions target three “high-ranking members” of the Northeast Cartel and one prominent associate, Ricardo Hernández, a 34-year-old musician known as El Makabelico, who has millions of followers on social media.
- Ricardo Hernández (El Makabelico): A popular hip-hop artist whose concerts and events are allegedly used to launder money for the organization. The Treasury Department states that 50% of streaming royalties go directly to the group.
- Abdón Rodríguez
- Antonio Romero
- Francisco Esqueda
Cartel Activities and U.S. Response
The Treasury Department claims that the sanctioned individuals have played a crucial role in the cartel’s activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering.
In May, the Treasury Department had previously sanctioned two high-ranking members of the Northeast Cartel.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the department’s commitment to combating drug-related terrorist cartels, stating:
“The Department of the Treasury will remain relentless in its efforts to put America First by targeting drug-related terrorist cartels that poison Americans with fentanyl and conduct human smuggling operations at our southwest border.”
DEL Records and Lack of Response
DEL Records, Hernández’s label on social media, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is El Makabelico? El Makabelico, whose real name is Ricardo Hernández, is a popular Mexican hip-hop artist with millions of followers on social media.
- Why was El Makabelico sanctioned? The U.S. Treasury Department accuses El Makabelico of using his concerts and events to launder money for the Northeast Cartel, with 50% of streaming royalties going directly to the group.
- Who else was sanctioned and why? Three other individuals—Abdón Rodríguez, Antonio Romero, and Francisco Esqueda—were sanctioned for their roles in the Northeast Cartel’s activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering.
- What is the Northeast Cartel? The Northeast Cartel is a violent Mexican drug trafficking organization that split from Los Zetas and has been designated as a global terrorist organization by the U.S. government.
- How has the U.S. responded to the Northeast Cartel? The U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on the assets of key members of the Northeast Cartel and emphasized its commitment to combating drug-related terrorist cartels.
