Introduction
The United States Department of the Treasury has imposed economic sanctions on three alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), accusing them of operating a fuel theft and smuggling network between Mexico and the United States.
The Sancioned Individuals
César Morfín Morfín (El Primito): A key figure in the CJNG, El Primito previously led a faction of the Gulf Cartel before joining the Jalisco cartel. His connection to Rubén Oseguera González, alias “El Menchito” and son of CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, facilitated his integration into the Jalisco group.
Álvaro Noé Morfín: El Primito’s older brother, involved in the fuel theft and distribution of synthetic drugs.
Remigio Morfín: Supplies the stolen fuel from Hidalgo, contributing to the contraband operation.
Accusations and Operations
The Treasury Department accuses the sancionados of transporting and distributing narcotics such as fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. El Primito is also known as an importer of chemical precursors from China used to produce fentanyl.
The robbing of fuel and smuggling of crude oil serve as lucrative income sources for the CJNG’s narcoterrorist activities, enabling them to cause significant problems in both Mexico and the United States.
Impact of Sanctions
According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the sanctions aim to disrupt the CJNG’s illegal income sources by targeting their fuel theft and crude oil smuggling operations.
The Department of the Treasury states that fuel theft is now one of the most profitable activities for cartels, second only to drug trafficking. The illegally obtained crude oil is smuggled into the United States, sold at a discount in energy markets, and the profits are repatriated to Mexican cartels.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the sanctioned individuals? César Morfín Morfín (El Primito), Álvaro Noé Morfín, and Remigio Morfín, all linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
- What are they accused of? Operating a fuel theft and smuggling network, distributing synthetic drugs, and using front companies for contraband.
- Why were they sanctioned? To disrupt the CJNG’s illegal income sources derived from fuel theft and crude oil smuggling.
- What is the significance of fuel theft for cartels? Fuel theft has become one of the most profitable activities for cartels, second only to drug trafficking.
