The US Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on four individuals linked to Mexico-based Cartel del Noreste, including rapper El Makabelico. The move aims to disrupt the cartel’s leadership and financial networks, which are allegedly responsible for violence and drug trafficking.
El Makabelico, 34, a popular musician with millions of social media followers, is accused of using his concerts and events to launder money for the group. The Treasury says 50% of his streaming royalties go directly to Cartel del Noreste.
The sanctions target Abdon Rodriguez, Antonio Romero, Francisco Esqueda, and El Makabelico. The cartel was designated as a “global terrorist organisation” by President Donald Trump’s administration in February.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the department is committed to targeting cartels and disrupting their revenue streams, which enable their “horrific crimes”. Cartel del Noreste is considered one of Mexico’s most violent drug trafficking organisations and wields significant influence along the US-Mexico border.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/6/us-sanctions-mexico-cartel-members-including-rapper-el-makabelico