Background and Relevance of the Partnership
Mexico and the United States have formed an alliance to tackle money laundering activities of Mexican drug cartels. This collaboration marks a significant step in their joint efforts to dismantle organized crime through intelligence sharing and bilateral cooperation.
Operation Casino: A Coordinated Effort
The first substantial action taken under this partnership is Operation Casino, which identified and blocked 13 casinos in Mexico suspected of being linked to a criminal organization associated with the Pacific Cartel.
Key Players and Their Roles
The Mexican government, through the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF), collaborated with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the U.S. Department of Treasury to freeze financial operations and suspend business activities of these suspected entities.
The OFAC added 27 individuals and entities to its blacklist, suspected of engaging in irregular operations related to drug trafficking organizations.
OFAC and FinCEN’s Actions
The OFAC, which targets activities such as money laundering and terrorism financing, proposed a special measure to block 10 Mexican gambling establishments from accessing the U.S. financial system due to suspicions of money laundering activities.
FinCEN, which combats financial crimes like money laundering and terrorism financing, took these actions to emphasize their commitment to following the money trail.
Impact and Future Implications
This partnership represents a new level of cooperation between Mexico and the U.S., focusing on combating narco-trafficking and related financial crimes orchestrated by Mexican drug cartels.
John K. Hurley, the U.S. Subsecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated that those supporting the cartels “will be held accountable.” This declaration signifies the beginning of a coordinated effort that could potentially become a cornerstone in Mexico-U.S. relations, especially concerning the fight against fentanyl and drug cartels labeled as terrorist groups by the U.S. government.
Additional Context: Gas Supply Assurances
Brief Aside:
While this partnership focuses on money laundering and drug cartels, it’s worth noting recent assurances regarding Mexico’s gasoline supply. Amidst warnings from AMLO (President Andrés Manuel López Obrador) regarding potential gas shortages, Petróleos Mexicanos and the Secretaría de Energía (Energy Secretariat) reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining gasoline supply stability.
This assurance was echoed by major gas distribution companies in Mexico, including Grupo Uribe, SoniGas, Combugas, Gas Express Nieto, Gas y Servicio, Gas Metropolitano, Hidrogas, and Regio Gas.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main focus of this partnership between Mexico and the U.S.? The primary objective is to combat money laundering activities of Mexican drug cartels through enhanced intelligence sharing and bilateral cooperation.
- What actions were taken under Operation Casino? Thirteen casinos in Mexico were identified and blocked due to their suspected links with a criminal organization associated with the Pacific Cartel. Additionally, 27 individuals and entities were added to the U.S. blacklist for their involvement in irregular operations related to drug trafficking.
- What is the significance of this partnership? This collaboration could potentially become a key element in Mexico-U.S. relations, particularly concerning the fight against fentanyl and drug cartels labeled as terrorist groups by the U.S. government.
- What recent assurances were made regarding Mexico’s gasoline supply? Amidst warnings of potential gas shortages, Petróleos Mexicanos and the Energy Secretariat reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining gasoline supply stability. Major gas distribution companies in Mexico echoed this assurance.
