Financial sanctions imposed by the United States against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) exposed an extensive network of operators, front persons, and a large portfolio of businesses.
According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the companies and establishments were used to launder money and conceal the criminal organization’s assets.
In total, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned individuals and 16 companies linked to the criminal group. Among them are three businesses connected to the alcoholic beverage industry, including tequila production.
Beverage Businesses Identified by the United States
One of the companies placed on the sanctions list is Tequilera El Origen del Tequila S.A. de C.V., identified by the Treasury as a company engaged in tequila production and beverage crop cultivation.
According to the U.S. investigation, the company was managed by Roberto Jiménez Arias, identified as a CJNG member who also oversaw other businesses used by the organization.
Another business is El Almacén Licorería, a liquor store owned by Karely Lizbeth Ramírez Banales, wife of Audias Flores Silva, alias “El Jardinero,” one of the group’s principal financial operators.
A third beverage-related company is Rancho San Miguel Los Tres Hermanos SPR de RL de CV, dedicated to tequila and agave production.
Authorities link it to the business network of Gerardo Botello Rodríguez, alias “El Cachas,” who is considered a high-ranking operator within the criminal organization.
According to OFAC, these businesses were used to conceal proceeds from illegal activities, give them the appearance of legitimacy, and were managed by relatives and close associates of CJNG members.
The Network Beyond Tequila
The CJNG has diversified not only its criminal operations but also its investments in seemingly legitimate businesses. The U.S. Treasury included companies from several industries on its sanctions list:
- Petrocoda S.A. de C.V.: Gas station linked to the network of Audias Flores, “El Jardinero.”
- Strong Energy S.A. de C.V.: Oil extraction company.
- Transic Logistic S.A. de C.V.: Logistics services.
- Optic Private Transportation S.A. de C.V.: Transportation company.
- Green Agropacific S.P.R. de R.L. de C.V.: Agricultural company based in Nayarit.
- Agropecuaria Amateq Del Valle S.A. de C.V.: Crop production company controlled by “El Jardinero’s” network.
- Bubux Baby Shoes S.A. de C.V. (Bubux): Children’s footwear company linked to Gerardo Botello, “El Cachas.”
- Stella Servicios Comerciales Y Empresariales S.A. de C.V.: Clothing retailer.
- Mundo Fit Suplementos S.A. de C.V.: Dietary supplements company.
- Medin Products: Dietary supplements.
- Corporativo de Seguridad Privada Alfa y Gama S.A. de C.V.: Private security company operating in Michoacán and Jalisco.
- Hurrari Kash S.A. Promotora de Inversión de C.V.: Construction company.
- Productores Vagu S.A. de C.V.: Furniture company.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that these measures are intended to cut off the CJNG’s sources of financing and disrupt the economic infrastructure that supports its drug trafficking operations, particularly those involving fentanyl trafficking.
As part of the U.S. sanctions, all property and interests belonging to the designated individuals and companies that fall under U.S. jurisdiction are blocked. In addition, U.S. citizens and companies are prohibited from conducting any transactions with them.
Source: radioformula
