U.S. Sanctions Mexican Firm Tied to Cartel Border Construction
U.S. sanctions Mexican construction firm linked to cartel laundering, tied to border port of entry.
2 min read
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned a Mexican construction company linked to the Cartel Del Noreste faction of Los Zetas, citing its involvement in laundering money for the cartel. The firm, Construcciones y Edificaciones Garza Elias S.A. (CEGESA), was identified as having built a key international port of entry between Nuevo Leon and Texas.
Sanctions Target Cartel-Linked Entities
The Treasury’s sanctions list includes four men and 11 companies, some of which operated in sectors such as construction, trucking, and hospitality. CEGESA, along with its owners Gamaliel Garza Garcia and his son Gamaliel Garza Elias, received contracts from the state of Nuevo Leon for the development of the Colombia International Port of Entry.
According to a report by the NGO Mexicanos Contra La Corrupcion e Impunidad, CEGESA received two contracts in 2023 totaling $94 million Pesos ($5.2 million USD) for constructing toll booths and access roads at the port. The firm also secured a contract for improving a tourist rest stop and a landscaping project in 2022 valued at 15 million Pesos ($800,000).
Political Tensions and Government Rebuttals
The revelations have sparked political tension, with border state governments attempting to distance themselves from the sanctioned entities. In Tamaulipas, officials stated that none of the sanctioned companies or individuals had received contracts since the current administration took office in 2022.
Officials allege that the Garza family used their companies to launder money for the cartel, paying bribes to secure government contracts. The Treasury’s findings align with these claims, linking the firm to illicit financial activities.
Investigation and Legal Action
The report highlights the broader pattern of corruption and cartel influence in Mexico’s public infrastructure projects. The case underscores the challenges of combating organized crime and financial corruption in border regions, where state governments often face pressure to maintain economic development while ensuring compliance with international anti-money laundering standards.
Source: Breitbart
