Overview
- On Oct. 30, OFAC designated the Bhardwaj Human Smuggling Organization, its leader Vikrant Bhardwaj, three associates, and 16 affiliated companies.
- Officials say the network moved thousands of migrants using yachts, private marinas, and air travel into Cancún, lodging them before routing via the Tapachula–Cancún–Mexicali corridor to the U.S. border.
- Treasury alleges narcotics trafficking, bribery, and money laundering, with operational support from Sinaloa Cartel actors and coordination with the Hernández Salas network.
- The sanctions block assets under U.S. jurisdiction and bar U.S. persons from transactions, following a joint effort with HSI, DEA, and Mexico’s UIF.
- Named figures include José Germán Valadez Flores for bribery facilitation, ex-officer Jorge Alejandro Mendoza Villegas for Cancún airport access, and Indu Rani for financial operations.