WASHINGTON – The
U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today
announced the designation of Griselda Lopez Perez, a wife of fugitive drug lord
Joaquin “Chapo” Guzman Loera, who plays a key role in his drug trafficking organization. Today’s action, pursuant to the Foreign
Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act), prohibits U.S. persons from
conducting financial or commercial transactions with this individual, and also
freezes any assets she may have under U.S. jurisdiction.
“Today marks the third time in the past five months that
OFAC has targeted family members who act on behalf of Chapo Guzman,” said OFAC
Director Adam J. Szubin. “This action
builds on Treasury’s aggressive efforts, alongside its law enforcement partners,
to target individuals who facilitate Chapo Guzman’s drug trafficking
operations.”
“DEA and its partners are attacking Chapo Guzman's drug
trafficking operations at every level, using the law enforcement tools
available to bring these criminals to justice,” said DEA Chief of Financial Operations
John Arvanitis. “This is another strike against the brutal Sinaloa Cartel and
Chapo's wife, who has served as a major criminal facilitator on his behalf.”
OFAC is designating Griselda Lopez Perez for her role in the
operations of Guzman Loera’s drug trafficking organization, including her
efforts to assist Guzman Loera in evading justice. Additionally, Griselda Lopez Perez provides
material support to the drug trafficking activities of her husband. Guzman Loera was identified by the President
as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker pursuant to the Kingpin Act in
2001.
Today’s action would not have been possible without the key
support of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The U.S. Customs and Border Protection also
assisted with today’s action.
Internationally, OFAC has designated more than 1,100
businesses and individuals linked to 97 drug kingpins since June 2000. Penalties for violations of the Kingpin Act
range from civil penalties of up to $1.075 million per violation to more severe
criminal penalties. Criminal penalties
for corporate officers may include up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $5
million. Criminal fines for corporations may reach $10 million. Other individuals could face up to 10 years
in prison and fines pursuant to Title 18 of the United States Code for criminal
violations of the Kingpin Act.
To view a chart of the
Chapo Guzman organization, click here.
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