Overview
- OFAC designated the Bhardwaj HSO as a transnational criminal organization, blocking all property in U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting U.S. persons from doing business with the listed parties.
- Those named include alleged leader Vikrant Bhardwaj, Indu Rani, José Germán Valadez Flores, and ex–Quintana Roo police officer Jorge Alejandro Mendoza Villegas.
- Treasury says the group moved thousands of migrants from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America using aircraft, yachts, marinas, and lodging hubs centered in Cancún.
- The network allegedly operated along the Tapachula–Cancún–Mexicali corridor, worked with the previously sanctioned Hernández Salas organization, and received support from individuals tied to the Sinaloa Cartel.
- Sixteen companies across Mexico, India, and the UAE were designated for enabling or laundering proceeds, including firms in real estate, hospitality, retail, construction, energy trading, and yacht services.