FinCEN’s First-Ever Orders Under the FEND Off Fentanyl Act: A New Frontier in Combating Cartel-Linked Money Laundering

On June 25, 2025, FinCEN used its new authority under the FEND Off Fentanyl Act to designate three Mexico-based financial institutions—CIBanco, Intercam Banco, and Vector Casa de Bolsa—as entities of primary money laundering concern. These orders prohibit U.S. financial institutions from handling funds (including digital currencies) to or from these institutions, targeting the financial infrastructure supporting cartel-driven fentanyl trafficking. The final compliance deadline has been extended to September 4, 2025.

Why it matters: This unprecedented action showcases U.S. readiness to dismantle the financial networks enabling the fentanyl trade—and signals a steep rise in regulatory scrutiny for cross-border fund flows.

How OGA Can Help:

• Advanced intelligence to uncover illicit financial links before sanctions take effect

• Due diligence systems to map and monitor suspicious ownership and transactions

• Regulatory readiness consulting for rapid integration of sanctions screening

• Live risk monitoring to stay ahead of evolving enforcement in financial networks

If your institution or compliance team is preparing for this new world of heightened cartel finance enforcement, let’s talk.