Secretary Bessent Imposes Sanctions on Violent Mexican Cartel
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on the Cartel de Santa Rosa de Lima (CSRL), a criminal organization notorious for its involvement in fuel and oil theft in Guanajuato, Mexico. This cartel’s activities have heightened violence in the region, contributing significantly to its status as one of the deadliest states in Mexico.
Secretary Bessent’s Stance on Sanctions Against Cartels
Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent asserted that the U.S. is committed to dismantling drug cartels to enhance public safety. The sanctions aim to cut these criminals off from the U.S. financial system, targeting their revenue streams derived from illicit activities.
Background of the Cartel de Santa Rosa de Lima
Founded in 2014, the CSRL has gained notoriety for its aggressive tactics in controlling the fuel theft trade. The cartel’s conflict with the Cartel Jalisco Nuevo Generacion (CJNG) has exacerbated violence in Guanajuato, particularly since 2017, when CSRL publicly declared war on CJNG.
- Location: Guanajuato, Mexico
- Founded: 2014
- Key Conflict: Ongoing battle with CJNG for control of fuel and oil
Fuel Theft Operations
Fuel theft, locally known as “huachicol,” has become a major income source for Mexican cartels, including CSRL. Techniques employed by thieves include:
- Bribing employees of Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex)
- Illegally drilling into pipelines
- Hijacking tanker trucks
This stolen fuel is sold on the black market, not just in Mexico but also in the U.S. and Central America. The illegal activities contribute to significant financial losses for the Mexican government and undercut legitimate businesses in the energy sector.
Recent Developments and Impacts
In August 2025, Mexican authorities detained various CSRL operatives and confiscated 164,000 liters of stolen hydrocarbons alongside tanker trucks and equipment for siphoning fuel. The cartel has also been implicated in narcotics trafficking, expanding its criminal portfolio beyond fuel theft.
The sanctions are based on Executive Orders aimed at combatting transnational criminal organizations. José Antonio Yepez Ortiz, also known as “El Marro,” who previously led CSRL, has been designated due to his continued influence and control over the cartel even from prison, where he was sentenced to 60 years for kidnapping.
Consequences of Sanctions
As a result of these sanctions, any assets controlled by the designated individuals and entities within the U.S. will be blocked. This includes any business or transactions involving persons associated with CSRL. Violations of these sanctions could lead to severe penalties.
The actions taken by OFAC are a part of broader U.S. efforts to combat cartels and disrupt their operations. In recent months, various sanctions have been enforced against members of the CJNG and other related organizations. This is all part of a wider strategy to minimize the influence of organized crime on both sides of the border.
