The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued an alert concerning bulk cash smuggling and repatriation activities connected to Mexico-based Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). Financial institutions have been advised to remain cautious of such activities.
The alert elaborates on transactions that may relate to the cross-border smuggling of cash from the United States into Mexico and its return to United States and Mexican financial systems by Mexico-based TCOs. It is part of several typologies that these organizations use to launder illicitly obtained funds in the United States through moving cash across borders. This enables TCOs to integrate illegally acquired funds back into financial systems for further use in criminal activities.
"Mexico-based TCOs generate vast sums of illicit proceeds that they launder through a number of schemes, such as bulk cash smuggling and repatriation operations highlighted in this Alert," noted FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki. "The United States has zero tolerance for the TCOs’ activities and Treasury, to include FinCEN, is working aggressively to counter these violent organizations. This Alert supports Treasury’s continuing mission to counter TCOs and their illicit activities, and financial institutions are a critical partner in that effort."
The alert supplies an overview of the methodologies associated with these operations, points out red flag indicators, and reminds financial institutions of their obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act.
This alert is among several advisory products issued by FinCEN to raise awareness and counteract revenue sources related to TCOs. It aligns with two of the eight national Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism national priorities. The alert also supports Executive Order 14157, which targets international cartels labeled as foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists, aiming to combat threats to U.S. and international security.
For further questions regarding the alert, inquiries can be submitted to the FinCEN Regulatory Support Section through www.fincen.gov/contact. The complete alert is accessible online at FIN-2025-Alert001.
