Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and Her Role
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the current Head of Government (equivalent to Mayor) of Mexico City, a role she has held since 2018. Previously, Sheinbaum served as the Secretary of Environment under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador from 2016 to 2018. Her extensive background in environmental science and activism has shaped her current position as a prominent figure in Mexican politics.
US Accusations Against Mexican Banks
The United States Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) accused three Mexican financial institutions—CIBanco, Intercam Banco, and Vector Casa de Bolsa—of money laundering related to organized crime on June 25, 2021. The accusations were part of the US government’s efforts to combat the illegal trafficking of opoids, specifically fentanyl.
Sheinbaum’s Response
In response to these accusations, Claudia Sheinbaum stated during her daily morning press conference on June 26 that there are no conclusive proofs to support the allegations against the three Mexican banks. She emphasized that Mexico will not cover up any wrongdoing but will only act based on evidence.
Details of the Allegations and Mexican Investigation
FinCEN alerted Mexico’s financial intelligence unit (UIF) and the Ministry of Finance about potential irregular transactions between Mexican and Chinese companies. However, Sheinbaum clarified that the information was too general to support a criminal investigation. Mexico has a legitimate $139 billion investment with China, and these transactions alone do not prove money laundering.
Due to insufficient evidence, Mexican authorities requested more information from the US Department of the Treasury. Meanwhile, internal investigations by the Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) and UIF led only to administrative sanctions, not confirming money laundering operations.
Sheinbaum’s Defense of National Sovereignty
Sheinbaum firmly defended Mexico’s national sovereignty against international pressures, stating that Mexico is a free, independent, and sovereign nation. She highlighted that while collaboration with other countries is essential, Mexico will not submit to external control.
Historical Context of Unfounded Accusations
Sheinbaum referenced past cases where accusations lacked substance, such as the case of General Salvador Cienfuegos, who was eventually cleared when US authorities failed to find evidence.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the accusations against? The US Department of the Treasury, through FinCEN, accused CIBanco, Intercam Banco, and Vector Casa de Bolsa of money laundering related to the illegal trafficking of opoids, specifically fentanyl.
- What is Claudia Sheinbaum’s stance? Sheinbaum asserts that there are no conclusive proofs to support the allegations and emphasizes that Mexico will only act based on evidence.
- What information did Mexico receive from the US? Mexico’s financial intelligence unit (UIF) and Ministry of Finance received general information about potential irregular transactions between Mexican and Chinese companies from FinCEN.
- What were the outcomes of Mexican investigations? Internal investigations by CNBV and UIF resulted in administrative sanctions but did not confirm money laundering operations.
- Why is Sheinbaum defending national sovereignty? Sheinbaum insists that Mexico remains a free, independent, and sovereign nation, emphasizing that collaboration does not equate to submission.
