The US Treasury Department has accused a Mexican drug cartel of employing a “shadow fleet” of vessels to smuggle fuel, according to a report released by the department. The report alleges that the cartel has been using a network of ships to transport illegal goods, including fuel, across international waters.
The report highlights the significant scale of the operation, with the shadow fleet reportedly comprising hundreds of vessels. The Treasury Department has issued sanctions against two Mexican nationals for their involvement in the scheme, further underscoring the severity of the allegations.
Sanctions Issued Against Two Mexican Nationals
The US Treasury Department has taken swift action to address the situation, issuing sanctions against two Mexican nationals who are alleged to be key players in the operation. The sanctions aim to disrupt the cartel’s ability to continue its illegal activities and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
According to the report, the sanctioned individuals have been involved in the smuggling of fuel and other goods through the use of the shadow fleet. The Treasury Department has frozen any assets held by these individuals within US jurisdiction and has prohibited them from engaging in certain transactions with US persons or entities.
Scale of the Operation Revealed
The report provides a detailed look at the scale of the operation, revealing that the shadow fleet is comprised of hundreds of vessels. These ships are allegedly being used to transport illegal goods across international waters, often using complex and sophisticated methods to evade detection by law enforcement agencies.
The report highlights the significant financial gains made by the cartel through its illegal activities, with estimates suggesting that the operation has generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue. The Treasury Department‘s sanctions aim to disrupt this flow of funds and to prevent further illegal activities from taking place.
International Cooperation Crucial
The US Treasury Department has emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing the situation. The department has been working closely with its international partners, including law enforcement agencies and other government bodies, to share intelligence and coordinate efforts to combat the cartel’s illegal activities.
The report highlights the need for continued cooperation and information-sharing between countries to effectively disrupt the shadow fleet’s operations and bring those responsible to justice.
Original Article: US accuses Mexican drug cartel of employing ‘shadow fleet’ of vessels to smuggle fuel — TradeWinds