Regulatory Alerts2026-04-14 | 20260414Counter Narcotics, Counter Terrorism Designations; Issuance of Related General License; Issuance of Amended Russia-related General Licenses and Frequently Asked Question
The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Counter Terrorism General License 35 to authorize the wind down of transactions involving entities blocked on April 14, 2026. OFAC also issued Russia-related General Licenses 128C and 130A to authorize certain transactions involving Lukoil entities and retail service stations outside of Russia, while amending FAQ 1225. Additionally, OFAC added three individuals and three entities linked to the Cartel del Noreste to the Specially Designated Nationals List for their involvement in illicit drug activities and gambling operations on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Release Date
04/14/2026
Press Release Link
Treasury Sanctions Cartel-Linked Casinos and Key Associates on U.S.-Mexico Border
CHART - Casinos Connected to Cartel del Noreste
Recent Actions Body
The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing Counter Terrorism General License 35 , "Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Entities Blocked on April 14, 2026." OFAC is also issuing Russia-related General License 128C , "Authorizing Certain Transactions Involving Lukoil Retail Service Stations Located Outside of Russia," Russia-related General License 130A , "Authorizing Transactions Involving Certain Lukoil Entities in Bulgaria, and is amending one Russia-related Frequently Asked Question ( FAQ 1225 ). Additionally, OFAC has updated the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. Specially Designated Nationals List Updates The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List: ISLAS VALDEZ, Eduardo Javier (a.k.a. "Crosty"), Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico; DOB 25 Feb 1985; POB Tamaulipas, Mexico; nationality Mexico; Gender Male; Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886; C.U.R.P. IAVE850225HTSSLD02 (Mexico) (individual) [SDGT] [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: CARTEL DEL NORESTE). PENILLA RODRIGUEZ, Juan Pablo, Mexico; DOB 18 Jan 1980; POB Mexico City, Mexico; nationality Mexico; Gender Male; Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886; C.U.R.P. PERJ800118HDFNDN03 (Mexico) (individual) [SDGT] [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: CARTEL DEL NORESTE). RAMOS VAZQUEZ, Jesus Reymundo (a.k.a. RAMOS, Raymundo), Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico; DOB 15 Mar 1971; POB Tamaulipas, Mexico; nationality Mexico; Gender Male; Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886; C.U.R.P. RAVJ710315HTSMZS09 (Mexico) (individual) [SDGT] [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: CARTEL DEL NORESTE). The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List: CASINO CENTENARIO, Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico; Website casinocentenarionld.com ; Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886; Organization Established Date 2023; Organization Type: Gambling and betting activities [SDGT] [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: CARTEL DEL NORESTE). COMERCIALIZADORA Y ARRENDADORA DE MEXICO, S.A. DE C.V., Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas, Mexico; Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886; Organization Established Date 28 May 1997; Organization Type: Gambling and betting activities; RFC CAM970528IYA (Mexico); Folio Mercantil No. N-2020067321 (Mexico) [SDGT] [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: CASINO CENTENARIO). DIAMANTE CASINO, Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico; Website diamantecasino.com.mx ; Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886; Organization Established Date 2021; Organization Type: Gambling and betting activities [SDGT] [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: COMERCIALIZADORA Y ARRENDADORA DE MEXICO, S.A. DE C.V.). Unrelated Administrative List Changes: None