Who is Victor Manuel Herrera?
Victor Manuel Herrera is the president of the National Economic Studies Committee at the Mexican Employers’ Confederation (IMEF). IMEF is a prominent business organization in Mexico, representing various sectors and advocating for policies that foster economic growth and development.
US Classification of Mexican Cartels as Terrorist Organizations
In early 2021, under the administration of President Donald Trump, the United States government classified Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations. This designation was a significant shift in the US approach to combating transnational criminal organizations, aiming to leverage additional resources and legal tools to disrupt their activities.
Impact of the US Designation
- Increased pressure on Mexican cartels through stricter financial and travel restrictions
- Enhanced intelligence sharing and cooperation between US and Mexican law enforcement agencies
- Potential for greater international support in targeting cartel assets and operations
IMEF’s Concerns Regarding Mexico’s Anti-Terrorism Financing Law
Despite the US’s efforts, IMEF’s president, Victor Manuel Herrera, has highlighted ongoing gaps in Mexico’s anti-terrorism financing law. These shortcomings may hinder the country’s ability to effectively counter terrorist financing and potentially undermine its international commitments.
Key Areas of Concern
- Definition of Terrorism: The law’s definition of terrorism may not encompass the full range of activities carried out by cartels, leaving loopholes for these organizations to exploit.
- Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU): The FIU may lack the necessary resources, authority, and international cooperation to effectively monitor and investigate suspicious financial activities related to cartels.
- International Standards: Mexico’s anti-terrorism financing law may not fully align with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), potentially impacting its global reputation and cooperation opportunities.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who is Victor Manuel Herrera? A: Victor Manuel Herrera is the president of the National Economic Studies Committee at the Mexican Employers’ Confederation (IMEF).
- Q: Why did the US classify Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations? A: The US aimed to increase pressure on cartels through stricter financial and travel restrictions, enhance intelligence sharing, and potentially gain greater international support.
- Q: What concerns does IMEF have regarding Mexico’s anti-terrorism financing law? A: IMEF, through its president Victor Manuel Herrera, has highlighted gaps in the law related to the definition of terrorism, the role of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and alignment with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
