The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned three leaders of Los Zetas, a notorious cartel, alongside a well-known narco rapper who has celebrated their activities in his music. One of these newly sanctioned leaders was formerly a police officer in Tamaulipas who was secretly involved in cartel operations while still on duty.
On Wednesday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent announced these sanctions against members of the Cartel del Noreste faction of Los Zetas and El Macabellico, a rapper who promotes the cartel through his songs. Authorities claim that these concerts serve as a front for laundering money, with allegations that 50% of online streaming revenues are funneled back to the cartel.
Los Zetas is one of six Mexican drug cartels designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the previous administration. This designation provides the government with enhanced tools to combat them, including financial sanctions and asset freezes. U.S. officials have noted the cartel’s operations extend beyond Mexico, highlighting their extensive network within the U.S. for drug and human smuggling. Just last June, federal agents apprehended 72 undocumented immigrants at a cartel-connected bar in North Carolina, seizing drugs and weapons during the operation.
The Treasury’s latest actions particularly focused on Ricardo “Elma Cavelico” Hernandez Medrano, a rapper who rose to fame on streaming platforms for his songs glorifying Los Zetas. Authorities highlight that the cartel utilizes performances and events for money laundering, where a significant portion of the revenue goes directly to the group.
Among the newly sanctioned leaders is Abdon Federico “Chucho” Rodriguez Garcia, who ranks as the second-in-command of the cartel. He was arrested back in 2013 alongside former Los Zetas leader Miguel Angel “40” Trevino Morales, but was released later due to typical proceedings in the Mexican judicial system.
The second individual is Antonio “Comandante Romeo” Romelo Sanchez, another former police officer who managed to disguise his involvement with the cartel while serving. There is considerable reporting regarding his role in both Comandante Romeo and Los Zetas.
The third sanctioned individual is Francisco Daniel “Franky Esqueda” Esqueda Nieto, who currently leads the Tactical unit for the CDN-Los Zetas.
