Justice Department steps up pressure on cartels’ financial networks as launderers turn to crypto

The U.S. Justice Department is intensifying its efforts to disrupt the financial networks of Mexican drug cartels by targeting money brokers who launder drug profits. These brokers are increasingly using cryptocurrency to move money from American cities to cartel leaders in Mexico. The DOJ is focusing on these financial facilitators, rather than street-level dealers, to cripple cartel operations. Since the beginning of President Trump's second administration, Mexico has transferred over 90 high-level defendants with cartel ties to the U.S. for prosecution on charges including drug trafficking, human smuggling, and money laundering. The DOJ has also restructured its Criminal Division to integrate narcotics and anti-money laundering experts, aiming to dismantle the financial systems that enable cartel operations.

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