Reported by U.S. Department of Treasury

(Summarized version featured below)

On March 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned six individuals and seven entities linked to a money laundering network supporting the Sinaloa Cartel, a notorious drug trafficking organization responsible for a significant portion of illicit fentanyl and other deadly drugs trafficked into the United States. This action is part of a coordinated investigation involving multiple U.S. agencies and the Government of Mexico. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the importance of targeting financial facilitators who enable the cartel’s operations. 

The sanctions target key figures in the cartel’s financial operations. Enrique Dann Esparragoza Rosas oversees a money laundering organization in Mexicali, Mexico, transferring illicit proceeds from the U.S. to Mexico through currency exchange businesses. His clients include the Sinaloa Cartel factions led by “Los Chapitos” and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada Garcia. Alan Viramontes Sesteaga, a high-ranking cartel member reporting to Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, is involved in establishing front businesses and coordinating large cash pickups. Salvador Diaz Rodriguez and Israel Daniel Paez Vargas operate as money launderers in Mexicali, with Diaz also acting as an enforcer known for violent tactics against those who fail to pay required amounts. 

Additionally, the sanctions target individuals involved in laundering proceeds from fentanyl sales. Alberto David Benguiat Jimenez operates a network moving illicit narcotics proceeds from the U.S. to Mexico on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel and previously designated fentanyl trafficker Jose Angel Rivera Zazueta. Benguiat’s network has laundered over $50 million to date, utilizing a series of front companies and shell corporations, including Scatman and Hatman Corp S.A.P.I. de C.V. and Grupo Zipfel de Mexico S.A. His associate, Christian Noe Amador Valenzuela, also participates in these laundering activities. 

As a result of these sanctions, all property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities within the United States or under the control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. The sanctions prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within the United States that involve any property or interests of the designated parties, unless authorized by OFAC. Violations may result in civil or criminal penalties. This action underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to disrupting the financial networks that enable the Sinaloa Cartel’s drug trafficking and related criminal activities. 

Read full version: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0064