The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned five leaders of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), a violent cartel involved in trafficking fentanyl and other drugs into the United States. The sanctions come under counterterrorism authorities due to the cartel's use of murder to intimidate rivals, including the targeted killing of women.
OFAC designated CJNG leader Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," along with three senior cartel members and a commander linked to the murder of Mexican influencer Valeria Marquez during a live broadcast. "CJNG’s reign of terror across Mexico and its trafficking of fentanyl into the United States has destroyed countless innocent lives," stated Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.
This action follows Executive Orders 14059 and 13224, targeting drug proliferation and terrorism support. CJNG operates clandestine labs in Mexico for drug production and controls Manzanillo port for trafficking operations. Their activities include kidnappings, torture, bombings, executions, fuel theft, timeshare fraud, migrant smuggling, and corruption.
Ruben Oseguera Cervantes is noted for his leadership style that allows CJNG to operate like a franchise across several Mexican states. The U.S. State Department offers up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
Julio Alberto Castillo Rodriguez is a senior member facilitating precursor chemical procurement at Manzanillo port. Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytan leads recruitment strategies and was linked to a discovered camp used for training recruits who defied orders. Audias Flores Silva oversees CJNG territories in multiple Mexican states and commands operatives involved in violence against civilians and law enforcement.
Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, close to El Mencho, is implicated in high-profile murders including that of Valeria Marquez. His actions highlight femicide issues in Mexico.
Sanctions block all property interests in the U.S., with violations potentially resulting in penalties. Financial institutions risk exposure if engaging with blocked persons. OFAC emphasizes that sanctions aim not to punish but to encourage positive behavioral change.
For more details on those designated today, refer to OFAC's official resources.
