The Mexican financial system has begun blocking the resources of Rubén Rocha Moya, the governor on leave of Sinaloa, and nine other individuals following allegations from United States authorities regarding suspected collusion with the Sinaloa Cartel.
According to financial ecosystem sources, the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) of the Ministry of Finance issued instructions last week to banks and brokerage firms to add the named individuals to the Blocked Persons List (LPB). This order was expanded last Tuesday night to include money transmitters and exchange centers.
Officials and Individuals Targeted
The UIF’s instruction includes Rubén Rocha Moya and several high-ranking current and former officials. These include Morena senator and former state general secretary Enrique Inzunza Cázarez, former administration and finance secretary Enrique Díaz Vega, and deputy state attorney general Dámaso Castro Zaavedra.
Also included are former investigation police chief Marco Antonio Almanza Avilés, former investigation police chief Alberto Jorge Contreras Núñez (known as “Cholo”), and former public security secretary Gerardo Mérida Sánchez.
The list further extends to former state police sub-director José Antonio Dionisio Hipólito (alias “Tornado”), Culiacán municipal president Juan de Dios Gámez Mendívil, and former Culiacán police commander Juan Valenzuela Millán (alias “Juanito”). Rubén Rocha Ruiz, the son of the governor on leave, has been included in the measures.
Charges and Legal Stakes
The ten individuals identified by U.S. Authorities are accused of narcotics trafficking and weapons-related crimes. Due to the severity of these charges, the accused could face prison sentences ranging from 40 years to life imprisonment.
The Ministry of Finance has not issued an official position regarding the UIF’s actions against Rocha Moya and the other individuals, despite inquiries made to the authorities.
Financial Implications and Future Scenarios
Placement on the LPB requires financial entities to suspend operations and freeze all resources linked to the listed individuals. In practice, this may prevent the use of bank accounts, credits, investments, and electronic transfers.
Currently, none of the officials named in the New York accusation have been added to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions list of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Moving forward, these individuals may face further restrictions if they are eventually incorporated into the OFAC list, which would likely block assets under U.S. Jurisdiction and restrict operations with U.S. Citizens or entities. The legal process in New York could also lead to extradition requests or formal sentencing if the charges are proven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does being on the Blocked Persons List (LPB) mean?
It means that banks, brokerage firms, and other financial entities must freeze resources and suspend all financial operations, including transfers and credits, for the individuals listed.
Who are the primary individuals accused in this case?
The primary figures include the governor on leave of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya, and nine others, including former police chiefs, a senator, and the municipal president of Culiacán.
What are the potential penalties for those accused?
The accused could face prison terms ranging from 40 years to life imprisonment for charges including narcotics trafficking and weapons crimes.
How do you view the impact of domestic financial freezes when they follow international criminal allegations?