U.S. Department of the Treasury
government (United States)
2 items across 2 editions · last active 4 Jul 26
In the brief
No. 4 · Saturday, 4 July 2026
Colombia's Petro asks Trump to lift his sanctions-list designation in direct call
What? President Gustavo Petro, designated by US Treasury under OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals list in October 2025 over allegations tied to rising Colombian cocaine production, spoke directly with President Trump July 3 to request removal from the list; Trump said he "will do his best" — not a firm commitment — while the two also discussed coca crop-substitution and counter-narcotics cooperation ahead of Colombia's presidential transition.
So what? A leader-to-leader opening on sanctions relief, arriving as Colombia prepares to hand power to president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, creates a window to re-anchor bilateral counter-narcotics cooperation on steadier footing regardless of whether the designation is actually lifted; a real Treasury review process opening in the coming weeks would be the signal this goes beyond a courtesy call.
No. 1 · Wednesday, 1 July 2026
CJNG "shadow fleet" fuel-smuggling network exposed; Treasury sanctions two Mexicans, nine firms
What? On June 30 the U.S. Treasury sanctioned a fuel-smuggling network tied to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) — described as the cartel's biggest income source after drugs. Fuel moves via tanker trucks, railcars, and "shadow fleets of maritime vessels," using front companies, false invoices, and misclassified customs documentation to evade Mexican import taxes.
So what? A cartel maritime-smuggling and trade-based-money-laundering scheme built on falsified customs paperwork and shadow-fleet vessels — a concern for manifest scrutiny, entity screening, and liaison with Mexican customs.
Related
Mission areas Partnerships & Engagement Transnational Organized Crime
Countries Colombia Mexico United States