On June 25, 2025, FinCEN issued orders identifying three Mexico-based financial institutions as primary money laundering concerns. These institutions were involved in illicit opioid trafficking. They collectively laundered millions of dollars on behalf of Mexico-based drug cartels. The release, which can be found here, outlines specific scenarios and time frames in which the Mexico-based institutions participated in direct money laundering for cartels. As a result, FinCEN is issuing an order prohibiting certain transactions involving the three institutions.

This marks the first actions by FinCEN since the Fentanyl Sanctions Act and the FEND Off Fentanyl Act. FinCEN’s full order can be found here.

CCI encourages our community banks to stay vigilant.

 

Victoria Peterson, CCBCO