U.S. Treasury Sanctions 27 in Mexico Gambling Network Linked to Cartels

TLDR:

• U.S. Treasury sanctions 27 individuals linked to Hysa Organized Crime Group for money laundering.
• Ten Mexico-based casinos face proposed U.S. financial restrictions under FinCEN rules.
• Operations span Mexico, Canada, and Europe, targeting illicit cash and crypto flows.
• Measures aim to block U.S. property, enforce sanctions, and curb cartel funding.

The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned Mexico-based gambling establishments tied to cartel-related money laundering. The coordinated action involves OFAC, FinCEN, and the Mexican government. 

Twenty-seven individuals and entities linked to the Hysa Organized Crime Group face sanctions. FinCEN also proposed cutting off 10 gambling establishments from the U.S. financial system to curb illicit flows.

U.S. Treasury Action Hits Cartel Money Laundering Networks

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control identified the Hysa Organized Crime Group as a significant transnational criminal organization. Members include Luftar, Arben, Ramiz, Fatos, and Fabjon Hysa.

 Their operations spanned Mexico, Canada, and Europe, using gambling establishments and restaurants to launder cartel funds. OFAC designated these individuals and several related companies under Executive Order 13581.

Entretenimiento Palmero S.A. de C.V., owned by Arben Hysa, is central to laundering activities. Gilberto Lopez Lopez serves as its commissioner, and Ramiz Hysa’s daughter, Eselda Baku, is on the board. 

Additional targeted entities include Bliri S.A. de C.V., Cucina Del Porto S.A. de C.V., and Rosetta Gaming Inc. Operations cover Mexico, Canada, and Poland, highlighting the transnational scope.

Treasury highlighted the use of Europe-based entities to enrich the Hysa family through illicit funds. Bulk cash transfers from Mexico to the U.S. were central to laundering schemes. 

Gambling establishments and luxury restaurants provided fronts for drug proceeds. These measures aim to block all U.S.-based property and interests connected to sanctioned individuals and entities.

OFAC regulations prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with blocked persons or entities. Violations may result in strict civil and criminal penalties. Secondary sanctions may target foreign financial institutions facilitating transactions for these individuals. 

The Treasury emphasized enforcement of economic sanctions as a tool to alter illicit behavior.

FinCEN Moves to Cut Financial Access for Gambling Operations

FinCEN proposed a special measure under section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act. The proposal identifies 10 Mexico-based gambling establishments as high-risk for money laundering. 

Casinos include Emine, Casino Mirage, and multiple Midas locations across Sinaloa and Sonora. Palermo Casino and Skampa locations in Baja California and Tabasco are also affected.

Covered financial institutions will be restricted from processing transactions for these gambling firms. Banks must apply enhanced due diligence to avoid laundering exposure. 

The Hysa Organized Crime Group operates these casinos for the Sinaloa Cartel’s benefit. The NPRM aims to prevent U.S. financial systems from enabling illicit activity.

The measure reflects U.S.-Mexico cooperation to disrupt drug cartel financing. Treasury officials traveled to Mexico to secure commitments for joint enforcement. Both OFAC and FinCEN coordinated their actions to strengthen cross-border oversight. 

Authorities continue to monitor the network’s financial and operational links internationally.

These steps highlight the risks that cartel-linked establishments pose to the crypto and financial sectors. By targeting both individuals and corporate structures, regulators aim to sever illicit funding channels. The focus remains on transparency, compliance, and financial integrity.

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