The Trump administration has sanctioned Mexican musician Ricardo Hernández, known as “El Makabelico,” over allegations that he laundered money for a Mexican cartel through his concerts and events. The U.S. Treasury Department accuses him of being associated with the Cartel del Noreste, an evolution of the former Zetas Cartel, and alleges that 50% of his streaming royalties go directly to the cartel.
Hernández’s music often explores themes related to cartels, and he has performed at events where CDN leaders were present. The administration claims that Hernández acted for or on behalf of the criminal group, leading to his sanctioning alongside cartel leaders.
The sanctions will block Hernández’s properties in the U.S., freeze financial transactions with businesses owned by those sanctioned, and threaten secondary sanctions against foreign financial institutions that do business with them.
This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on Mexican artists who have ties to cartels. In recent years, several musicians have been revoked from their visas due to their association with cartel-centric themes in their music. Hernández’s case highlights the fine line between artistic expression and censorship in Mexico.
The controversy surrounding “narco-corridos” – a genre of music that often explores cartel culture – has sparked debate about the limits of free speech and the role of art in society. Some artists have been accused of glorifying cartels, while others use their music to speak out against them.
As the Trump administration continues to take action against Mexican artists with alleged ties to cartels, the issue remains a contentious one in Mexico and beyond.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-sanctions-rapper-el-makabelico-alleged-cartel-ties-mexico