Ethereum Wallet Tied to Sinaloa Cartel Sanctioned by US Treasury Department

Updated: 29 September 2023

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The US Treasury Department has sanctioned an Ethereum wallet linked to Jiminez Castro, a Mexican with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel’s fentanyl trafficking operation.

Sanctions against ten individuals, including the Cartel’s affiliates and fugitives, were announced in a press release published Tuesday by the Treasury Department. Castro, who ran an Ethereum wallet used for aiding the cartel, was among those named in the release.

“Mario Alberto Jimenez Castro (Jimenez Castro) reports directly to a Chapitos deputy and operates a money laundering organization that uses virtual currency and wire transfers, among other methods, to transfer proceeds from illicit fentanyl sales in the United States to Sinaloa Cartel leaders in Mexico, the release said. “Jimenez Castro has directed U.S.-based couriers to pick up cash in the United States and deposit it into various virtual currency wallets for payment directly to the Chapitos and for reinvestment in fentanyl production.”

The Ethereum Wallet Not Used In More Than 200 Days

Analysts have uncovered that the wallet was first activated in January 2023, according to Arkham data. Data from Etherscan revealed that the wallet contained around 0.018 ETH, or $28.22, at the time when it was uncovered.

The data also suggests that the wallet has not been used for more than 200 days.

The authorities did not reveal any other addresses tied to the Cartel at this time, nor did the Treasury sanction any additional wallets.

Today, @USTreasury sanctioned 10 individuals, including several Sinaloa Cartel affiliates and fugitives responsible for a significant portion of the illicit fentanyl and other deadly drugs trafficked into the United States. https://t.co/eb5zLjmaEb

— Under Secretary Brian Nelson (@UnderSecTFI) September 26, 2023