On June 25, 2025, FinCEN issued unprecedented orders identifying three Mexico-based financial institutions as being of primary money laundering concern in connection with illicit opioid trafficking, and prohibit, respectively, certain transmittals of funds involving the institutions. The named instituiosn include CIBanco S.A., Institution de Banca Multiple, Intercam Banco S.A., Institución de Banca Multiple, and Vector Casa de Bolsa, S.A. de C.V.
According to FinCEN’s press release, the orders are the first actions by the agency pursuant to the Fentanyl Sanctions Act and the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which provide Treasury with additional authorities to target money laundering associated with the trafficking of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, including by cartels. The prohibition becomes effective 21 days following publication in the Federal Register.
FinCEN’s press release and the orders can be found here.