In a strong move to fight illegal money, the United States has sanctioned several casinos in Mexico. This action comes just days after Mexico itself closed 13 gambling establishments and websites suspected of money laundering. Authorities say these casinos were being used to move illegal money from the Sinaloa cartel into the international financial system.
The U.S. Treasury Department, through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), blocked 10 Mexico-based casinos from accessing the U.S. financial system. These casinos are accused of helping the cartel hide the profits of their criminal activities. In total, 27 targets were sanctioned by OFAC, while FinCEN specifically focused on 10 of the casinos.
The casinos targeted include some of the most well-known in Mexico. Among them are the Skampa in Ensenada and Villahermosa, the Palermo in Nogales, the Emine in San Luis Río Colorado, the Mirage in Culiacán, and the Midas Casino chain, which operates in several cities including Mazatlán and Rosarito.
Officials said these casinos were not just places to gamble. They were allegedly being used to launder millions of dollars for organized crime. This involved moving cash across borders and using unsupervised digital platforms to hide the source of the money.
Coordinated U.S.-Mexico Action
The U.S. authorities worked closely with Mexico to carry out the sanctions. This joint effort targeted the Hysa Organized Crime Group, an Albanian family linked to money laundering, which had control or investments in multiple businesses, including casinos and restaurants. According to the U.S. Treasury, these businesses were used to clean illegal money for the Sinaloa cartel.
John K. Hurley, U.S. Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, described the operation as a clear message to those supporting cartels. “You will be held accountable,” he said, thanking Mexican authorities for their cooperation.
In Mexico, authorities acted quickly after discovering irregular activity. The Finance Ministry blocked operations at 13 casinos. Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said investigations uncovered huge cash transactions, cross-border money movements, and the use of unsupervised online platforms. Criminal complaints were filed, bank accounts were frozen, and all activities at the affected sites were suspended.
The casinos involved operated in multiple states, including Jalisco, Nuevo León, Sinaloa, Sonora, Baja California, México state, Chiapas, and Mexico City. Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico City’s mayor, said the city’s casino law needs updating, especially to regulate digital gambling platforms, which are increasingly used for online betting through social media and television.
Romania on edge as U.S. sanctions threaten to freeze Lukoil’s fuel lifeline
Past Investigations and Ongoing Scrutiny
This crackdown follows earlier investigations into the Hysa family. Authorities opened a money-laundering case against the group in 2022, but the investigation stalled. Reports suggest that the Albanian family had ties to the Sinaloa cartel, helping move money through various businesses across Mexico and even Europe.
In recent actions, Mexico also sanctioned five more companies suspected of money laundering. Grupo Salinas, a major business group controlled by Ricardo Salinas Pliego, confirmed it operated two of the targeted casinos but denied any wrongdoing.
The crackdown comes less than three months after Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel, accepted a plea agreement in U.S. custody. Authorities say organized crime groups are using legitimate businesses, including casinos, to hide illegal profits. Digital gambling platforms are also under scrutiny, as they provide new ways to move money without detection.
The joint U.S.-Mexico operation is one of the most significant actions against money laundering in Mexico’s casino industry. By freezing accounts, closing establishments, and imposing sanctions, both Mexico and the United States are sending a clear message: businesses involved with cartels will face serious consequences.