The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced sanctions against Jesus Alfredo Beltran Guzman, a prominent figure of the Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO). The enforcement action is part of a larger effort to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics, notably fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, into the United States. The Beltran Leyva Organization, a major drug trafficking entity, has long been involved in numerous illicit activities.
"Beltran Guzman and the BLO have continued to operate with violent impunity, trafficking in deadly drugs, threatening communities, and targeting key officials, all while profiting from their criminal schemes," stated Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "Treasury, in close partnership with our law enforcement colleagues, will continue to disrupt the operations of the cartels and their affiliates that enable the trafficking of deadly drugs like fentanyl across our border and in our communities."
In conjunction with the sanctions, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has released a report analyzing financial trends associated with fentanyl-related illicit finance. The BLO, which has been active since its founding, is known for its violent methods, including shootouts and kidnappings. A significant operation occurred in December 2024, resulting in the largest fentanyl seizure in Mexico, over 1,000 kilos, and the arrest of two cell leaders linked to the BLO.
The Beltran Leyva Organization was first sanctioned in 2008 under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act and is primarily led by Fausto Isidro Meza Flores (Chapo Isidro). The U.S. Department of State has offered up to $5 million for information leading to his capture.
Jesus Alfredo Beltran Guzman, also known as El Mochomito, has played a crucial role in drug trafficking activities. He is the son of Alfredo Beltran Leyva and the nephew of Joaquin Guzman Loera (El Chapo). Beltran Guzman’s activities have continued unabated despite past detentions.
As a result of the sanctions, all property and interests in property within the United States linked to the designated individuals are blocked. Furthermore, entities owned by the designated persons may face similar restrictions. OFAC regulations generally prohibit transactions involving these assets without appropriate licenses.
OFAC’s sanctions serve to encourage changes in behavior rather than impose punishment. Removal from the SDN List remains possible in accordance with legal guidelines.
For more specific details, interested parties are encouraged to refer to OFAC’s detailed guidelines and resources.
