By Oluchi Omai
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Treasury has taken action against five Mexican individuals tied to the Gulf Cartel, a notorious criminal organization. These individuals are implicated in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, human smuggling, and drug trafficking in the Gulf of Mexico.
This move is part of the U.S. government’s broader effort to combat IUU fishing, a serious threat to global fisheries and marine ecosystems. The U.S. government, through the Maritime Security and Fisheries Enforcement (SAFE) Act, coordinates with 21 federal agencies to address this issue.
IUU fishing not only depletes marine resources but also undermines the livelihoods of coastal communities. The U.S. is committed to working with international partners to strengthen fisheries management and hold accountable those who engage in illegal fishing practices.
By imposing these sanctions, the U.S. government aims to disrupt the financial networks of criminal organizations and send a strong message that IUU fishing will not be tolerated.