The U.S. Treasury on Wednesday added individuals and entities tied to two separate networks linked to the Sinaloa Cartel and its crypto-facilitated fentanyl trafficking to the OFAC sanctions list. The sanctions result from a coordinated effort led by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the administration will target terrorist cartels and their fentanyl trafficking networks. The press release highlights network head Armando de Jesus Ojeda Aviles, who allegedly converted cash into cryptocurrency transferred to the Sinaloa Cartel, and associate Jesus Alonso Aispuro Felix, who similarly transferred drug proceeds via blockchain. Six Ethereum addresses were also sanctioned, five linked to Ojeda Aviles. Most have been inactive for years, but one address ending in 'e27cb' was active on April 27, sending $894 in USDT. The sanctions fall under executive orders targeting illicit drug production and terrorists. The Treasury noted that the Sinaloa Cartel, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, is responsible for a significant portion of illicit fentanyl trafficked into the U.S., killing tens of thousands annually. A DOJ report last July indicated the DEA seized over $10 million in crypto assets from the cartel in 2025.

Key facts

• U.S. Treasury sanctions Sinaloa Cartel-linked fentanyl trafficking networks.
• Armando de Jesus Ojeda Aviles accused of converting cash to crypto for cartel.
• Six Ethereum addresses added to OFAC sanctions list.
• One address was active on April 27, sending $894 in USDT.
• DEA seized over $10 million in crypto from the cartel in 2025.

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