The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on the Cartel de los Soles, a criminal group based in Venezuela. The cartel, led by Nicolas Maduro Moros and other high-ranking Venezuelan officials, is accused of supporting foreign terrorist organizations that threaten U.S. security.
"Today’s action further exposes the illegitimate Maduro regime’s facilitation of narco-terrorism through terrorist groups like Cartel de los Soles," stated Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "The Treasury Department will continue to execute on President Trump’s pledge to put America First by cracking down on violent organizations including Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, and their facilitators, like Cartel de los Soles."
The sanctions target the cartel for providing material support to Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel. Tren de Aragua is involved in various criminal activities such as drug trafficking and human smuggling, while the Sinaloa Cartel is a significant player in narcotics trafficking into the United States.
OFAC's designation blocks all property and interests in property within U.S. jurisdiction linked to these entities. Transactions involving these blocked persons are generally prohibited unless authorized by OFAC.
Violations of these sanctions can lead to civil or criminal penalties for both U.S. and foreign individuals or entities involved. OFAC may impose penalties based on strict liability for any violations.
Furthermore, foreign financial institutions engaging with designated persons risk secondary sanctions which could affect their operations in the United States.
OFAC emphasizes that its sanctions aim to induce positive behavioral changes rather than punish those designated. For more information about removal from an OFAC list or submitting a request, individuals are encouraged to refer to OFAC's guidance.
