U.S. Sanctions Gulf Cartel Leaders for Illegal Fishing and Smuggling Operations

The Mexican cartel exploits U.S. waters for red snapper and shark fishing while funding drug and human trafficking activities.

The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned five Gulf Cartel members for illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and human smuggling in U.S. waters.
The cartel uses fast-moving lancha boats to fish red snapper and shark species in heavily regulated U.S. waters, generating millions in profits.
Fishing operations are based out of Playa Bagdad in Tamaulipas, Mexico, with the catch fraudulently sold as Mexican exports to U.S. markets.
Illegal fishing practices harm marine ecosystems, inadvertently killing other species and undermining U.S. fishermen adhering to strict regulations.
Sanctions freeze the assets of those involved and block access to international banking, as U.S. authorities pressure Mexico to enforce stricter measures.