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The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned nine Mexican nationals and 26 Mexico-based entities linked to a fuel theft network benefiting the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG). This cartel is responsible for trafficking significant amounts of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the United States. The action, coordinated with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Government of Mexico, aims to disrupt CJNG's operations.
“President Biden, Vice President Harris, and the Treasury Department are committed to taking decisive action to disrupt the funding and operations of deadly fentanyl-trafficking cartels like CJNG,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “CJNG’s diverse revenue streams, including fuel theft, ultimately strengthen its ability to traffic fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the United States.”
Treasury plays a leading role in countering drug trafficking as part of President Biden’s Unity Agenda. Over two years, it has sanctioned more than 300 targets involved in drug trafficking activities. Last year, Secretary Yellen launched the Counter-Fentanyl Strike Force to combat financial crimes related to drug trafficking.
Today's sanctions fall under Executive Order (E.O.) 14059 targeting individuals involved in global illicit drug trade. OFAC had previously sanctioned CJNG under both E.O. 14059 and the Kingpin Act for its role in international narcotics trafficking.
Fuel theft is a major non-drug revenue source for Mexican cartels like CJNG. Ivan Cazarin Molina, known as "El Tanque," is a senior member of CJNG heavily involved in fuel theft in Jalisco and Veracruz states. El Tanque manages a network selling stolen fuel through ostensibly legitimate retail gas stations.
OFAC also designated several associates linked directly or indirectly to El Tanque's activities: Cesar Cazarin Molina ("Tornado"), Domingo Medina Diaz ("El Mingo"), Jahir Cazarin Ramos, Gerardo Alvarado Castillo, Jose Saul Rodriguez Hernandez, Brandon Ernesto Herrera Medina, Santos Aldair Estrada Medina, and Patricia Rivera Garcia.
Additionally, OFAC sanctioned multiple businesses connected to El Tanque's network: Biocombustibles El Jicaro; Dos Oceanos Paso del Toro; Etanofuel; Rapicombustibles de Veracruz; Magnocombustibles de Veracruz; Ahorrocombustibles de Veracruz; Econocombustibles de Veracruz; Carburantes Dos Oceanos; Dos Oceanos Combustibles y Carburantes; Combustibles Evolutivos y Alternativos Dos Oceanos; Suministros Combustibles Oceanos; Traver Permisionarios; Maquinas EDJA among others.
As a result of these actions, all property and interests in property belonging to these designated persons within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked. Transactions involving these properties are generally prohibited unless authorized by OFAC.
Today’s action is part of broader efforts by OFAC and its partners to address global threats posed by illicit drug trafficking into the United States.
