Mexico expands illegal slot‑machine crackdown

In early July 2026 Mexican federal forces began seizing illegal slot‑machine units supplied to minors, launching Operation “Dos de Bastos”. The first phase confiscated more than 3,300 machines across 84 municipalities and recovered roughly 59 million pesos in cash and equipment, exposing a clandestine workshop in Tultitlán linked to organized‑crime groups such as the CJNG and Familia Michoacana.

On 26 July, authorities announced that the operation had removed 3,374 illegal slot machines from 89 municipalities in the State of Mexico. The seizure included about 9 million pesos in cash coins and machines valued at roughly 50.6 million pesos. President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated that the devices could generate up to 600 million pesos for criminal groups and are used for financing, extortion, loan‑sharking, gang activity and possible youth recruitment.

A related raid in Uruapan, Michoacán, seized 49 machines together with marijuana, narcotics, communication equipment and firearm cartridges, and detained a 32‑year‑old suspect, Miguel Ángel “N”. The actions, coordinated by the Secretariat of National Defense, the National Guard and state prosecutor’s offices, are presented as part of President Sheinbaum’s broader strategy to cut organized‑crime financing, protect vulnerable communities and curb recruitment of minors into illicit networks.