Background on the Cartel and its Leader
The United States Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on the Mexican cartel Santa Rosa de Lima, known for fuel smuggling in the state of Guanajuato. The cartel’s leader, José Antonio Yépez, also known as “El Marro“, was sanctioned by the US government.
The Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF), part of Mexico’s Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP), collaborates with the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to weaken the financial structures of transnational criminal organizations impacting both countries.
Cartel’s Origin and Impact
The Santa Rosa de Lima cartel originated in Guanajuato, Mexico, and its activities have significantly affected public safety and strategic sectors.
The UIF has conducted ongoing financial, fiscal, and corporate analyses of individuals and networks linked to the cartel. This led to the inclusion of José Antonio Yépez Ortiz (a) El Marro in the Blocked Persons List, adhering to UIF’s legal authorities and in coordination with relevant Mexican state institutions.
UIF’s Actions and US Support
The UIF stated that the actions taken by the US “reinforce and complement” existing measures in Mexico. This international support expands financial restrictions globally, limiting the cartel’s and its members’ access to resources, assets, and operations within the global financial system.
These reinforced measures aim to close loopholes for evading financial controls, using intermediaries or corporate structures, and possibly transferring illicit funds between jurisdictions. Additionally, it strengthens joint efforts to reduce the cartel’s operational, logistical, and leadership capabilities.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is the Cartel Santa Rosa de Lima? It’s a Mexican criminal organization originating in Guanajuato, known for fuel smuggling and significantly impacting public safety and strategic sectors.
- Who is José Antonio Yépez Ortiz (El Marro)? He is the leader of the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, sanctioned by the US government for his role in the organization.
- What is the collaboration between UIF and OFAC? The Financial Intelligence Unit of Mexico (UIF) works with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in the US Treasury Department to weaken the financial structures of transnational criminal organizations.
- What are the goals of these sanctions? The sanctions aim to expand financial restrictions, limit cartel members’ access to resources, and strengthen joint efforts to reduce the cartel’s capabilities.
