The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced sanctions against four members of the Mexican cartel, La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM), recognized for its involvement in trafficking fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States, human smuggling, and violent activities in Mexico. The cartel, described as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, has been connected to various criminal acts, including attacks on Mexican security forces and the use of drones and bombs.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeted Johnny and Jose Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga, leaders of LNFM, as well as their siblings Ubaldo and Adita Hurtado Olascoaga. "Today's action underscores our commitment to intensify the pressure on violent drug cartels like LNFM, who continue to traffic deadly fentanyl and other drugs, smuggle illegal aliens over our Southwest border, and attack law enforcement," stated Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. Johnny and Jose Alfredo face recent indictments by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Georgia, while the Department of State has offered substantial rewards for information leading to their arrests or convictions.
LNFM operates primarily in Guerrero and Michoacan, states in Mexico, where it traffics various narcotics and engages in violent activities, including bombings using drones and terrorizing local communities with acts of kidnapping and extortion. On November 17, 2022, the cartel was officially designated by OFAC under Executive Order 14059, highlighting its significant role in the international drug trade.
The acts of Johnny and Jose Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga have previously been scrutinized, and today's sanctions under Executive Order 13224 reflect their leadership roles within LNFM. The sanctions also extend to Ubaldo Hurtado Olascoaga, involved in extortion and leadership over LNFM's hitmen, and Adita Hurtado Olascoaga, who has been linked to money laundering and arms trafficking for the cartel.
As a result of these sanctions, properties and interests of these individuals in the United States are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally barred from engaging with them without proper authorization. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in penalties for both U.S. and foreign persons involved.
These measures form part of a broader strategy in collaboration with U.S. agencies and Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit to clamp down on the cartel's operations and seek positive changes in their conduct.
