U.S. Treasury Targets Cartel del Noreste and Hip-Hop Artist El Makabelico

The U.S. Treasury Department has slapped sanctions on four individuals tied to Mexico's Cartel del Noreste, including hip-hop artist El Makabelico. The sanctions target three high-ranking cartel members and a prominent associate, Ricardo Hernandez, known in the music world as El Makabelico.

These sanctions are part of efforts to crack down on the cartel's operations, which include drug trafficking and money laundering. El Makabelico's concerts allegedly serve as a means to launder money, with streaming royalties reportedly flowing to the cartel.

Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the U.S. Treasury is committed to targeting organizations that pose threats through drugs and human trafficking along the border. The Cartel del Noreste, branded as a violent criminal group, significantly impacts the U.S.-Mexico border region.

(With inputs from agencies.)