The U.S. Treasury Department and Mexico launched a coordinated strike Wednesday against a transnational crime syndicate and 27 affiliated entities, including 10 casinos allegedly used to launder cartel drug money.
The action targets the Albania-based Hysa Organized Crime Group, which Treasury officials say operates gambling establishments across Mexico with the blessing of the Sinaloa Cartel.
The sanctions mark an escalation in U.S.-Mexico cooperation against money laundering networks that help cartels clean billions in drug proceeds. Treasury’s move could sever the targeted businesses from the global financial system.
“The United States and Mexico are working together to combat money laundering in Mexico’s gambling sector. Our message to those supporting the cartels is clear: You will be held accountable,” said Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley.
The Hysa family network comprises brothers Luftar, Arben, Ramiz, and Fatos Hysa, as well as Fabjon Hysa. Treasury officials say they invested in Mexican businesses to launder narcotics proceeds.
The group allegedly smuggled bulk cash from Mexico to the United States. They also used European entities to enrich themselves from suspected drug traffickers’ money.
The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned 27 individuals and companies spanning Mexico, Canada, and Poland. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network proposed cutting 10 Mexican casinos from access to U.S. banking.
Those casinos include multiple Midas Casino locations in Sinaloa and other Mexican states. The Emine, Mirage, Palermo, and Skampa casino chains also face restrictions.
The sanctions freeze any U.S. assets belonging to the designated individuals and companies. Americans cannot conduct business with them without Treasury authorization.
Foreign banks that knowingly process significant transactions for the sanctioned entities risk losing their own U.S. correspondent accounts. This secondary sanctions threat extends the Treasury’s reach beyond American borders.
Luftar Hysa frequently appears in media interviews discussing his family’s businesses in Mexico and Europe. Treasury says he directed companies used for laundering operations.
Arben Hysa owns Mexican entertainment company Entretenimiento Palmero, which Treasury called central to the crime group’s operations. His daughter Eselda Baku sits on the board.
The enforcement action follows commitments secured during a recent visit by a Treasury delegation to Mexico. Officials pledged closer cooperation against cartel financing networks.
Treasury designated the Hysa group under an executive order targeting transnational criminal organizations. The order authorizes sanctions against foreign crime syndicates that threaten U.S. interests.
The proposed casino restrictions would prohibit U.S. banks from maintaining accounts used to process the establishments’ transactions. Banks must also enhance due diligence on existing accounts.
Public comments on the casino restrictions can be submitted through the federal regulations website. Treasury emphasized that sanctions aim to change behavior, not simply punish.
The Sinaloa Cartel maintains criminal control over territories where the Hysa group operates, according to the Treasury. The relationship allows the Albanian crime family to function within cartel-dominated regions.