The U.S. Treasury added individuals and entities from two separate networks tied to the Sinaloa Cartel and its crypto-facilitated fentanyl trafficking operations, it announced on Wednesday.
The sanctions stem from a coordinated effort led by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) with help from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
The press release highlights the sanctioning of network head Armando de Jesus Ojeda Aviles, who allegedly facilitated the conversion of cash into cryptocurrency that later was transferred to the Sinaloa Cartel. His associate, Jesus Alonso Aispuro Felix, was also added to the sanctions list and is allegedly responsible for similarly transferring proceeds from the drug trade via the blockchain.
The sanctions against the members and entities are pursuant to two executive orders targeting illicit drug production and terrorists and their supporters.
“The violent Sinaloa Cartel is a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) responsible for a significant portion of the illicit fentanyl trafficked into the United States that kills tens of thousands of Americans each year,” the Treasury wrote.
