Politics · Mexico · 1 hr ago
US sanctions people and firms accused of aiding cartel campaign funding
The US Treasury sanctioned 15 people and companies it says are linked to Mexico’s Northeast Cartel.
The group includes four individuals and 11 companies involved in areas such as construction, transport, horse racing, and oil and gas.
The Treasury says a construction company called CEGESA, based in Garza García, was used to channel money to the cartel’s preferred political candidates.
It says CEGESA also won government contracts in northern Mexico and passed some work to people linked to the cartel.
The company’s owner, Garza García, created another Nuevo Laredo firm, COPASA, to supply materials for construction projects.
The Treasury says Garza García’s son, Gamaliel Garza Elías, took part in CEGESA’s daily operations and delivered cash for campaigns.
Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit also flagged unusual cash and bank transfers, luxury purchases, and possible tax inconsistencies.
The sanctions are part of US action against the alleged network; the sources do not state what happens next.
The US Treasury Department designated 15 people and entities it said were linked to the Northeast Cartel, including four individuals and 11 companies.
The department alleged that the cartel used a construction company to channel money to preferred political candidates’ campaigns.
It said Gamaliel Garza Elías took part in the company’s daily operations and delivered cash to fund those campaigns.
The companies named in the reporting operate in construction, transport, horse racing, and the oil and gas sectors.
Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit detected unusual cash and transfer movements, as well as purchases of luxury vehicles, jewelry, and property.
- Who
- The US Treasury Department designated four people and 11 companies it said were linked to the Northeast Cartel.
- What
- The department alleged that the cartel used companies and cash to finance campaigns for its preferred political candidates.
- When
- The article was published on October 13, 2026. The article says that in early 2026, CEGESA and COPASA were among the few construction companies authorized to work in Nuevo Laredo.
- Where
- The companies and alleged activity were linked to Nuevo Laredo and Tamaulipas, Mexico.
- Why
- The designations followed allegations that the cartel used a network of companies to channel funds to political campaigns and benefit from government contracts.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
CEGESA and COPASA were among the few construction companies authorized to carry out work in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas.
El Financiero reported that the US Treasury Department had designated 15 people and entities allegedly linked to the Northeast Cartel.
- Designated subjects
- 15: four individuals and 11 companies
- Construction company
- Construcciones y Edificaciones Garza Elías SA de CV (CEGESA)
- Materials supplier
- Concretos y Productos Asfálticos del Norte, SA de CV (COPASA)
- Company location
- Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico
- Alleged campaign funding
- Cash and company funds were said to have supported the cartel’s preferred political candidates
Sources
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