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Sinaloa Cartel linked to Cambodian cryptocurrency laundering network
A joint operation between Cambodian and U.S. anti-drug agencies has uncovered a cryptocurrency money laundering network operating on behalf of Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel. The coordinated efforts, involving the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), targeted four locations in Phnom Penh and the Kandal province between August 1 and August 5.
During the raids, authorities dismantled drug laboratories and storage facilities, seizing over 200 kilograms of illegal drugs and more than one metric ton of precursor chemicals. At least six Vietnamese nationals were reportedly among those arrested.
In a related development, U.S. officials confirmed the seizure of approximately $7 million in cryptocurrency linked to the cartel during a prior law enforcement operation in New Jersey. Investigators are currently seeking suspects from that case within Cambodia. The Sinaloa Cartel, which has been designated a ‘foreign terrorist organization’ by the Trump administration, is a major producer of fentanyl and has been subject to U.S. sanctions since 2023.
Entities
Meas Vyrith · National Authority for Combating Drugs · Phnom Penh · Sinaloa Cartel · U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] At least six Vietnamese nationals were among those arrested during the raids. cryptobriefing.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Cambodian and U.S. anti-drug agencies uncovered a network using cryptocurrency to launder money for the Sinaloa Cartel. ca.news.yahoo.com · cryptobriefing.com · fortune.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Authorities confiscated over 200 kilograms of illegal drugs and more than one metric ton of precursor chemicals. ca.news.yahoo.com · cryptobriefing.com · fortune.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Between August 1 and August 5, Cambodian police and the U.S. DEA raided four locations in Phnom Penh and Kandal province. ca.news.yahoo.com · cryptobriefing.com · fortune.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] U.S. officials previously seized approximately $7 million in cryptocurrency linked to the cartel during an operation in New Jersey. ca.news.yahoo.com · fortune.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Meas Vyrith, secretary-general of Cambodia’s National Authority for Combating Drugs, stated that Cambodian authorities are investigating the cartel's money laundering operations. ca.news.yahoo.com · fortune.com