# Sinaloa Cartel laundering network in Cambodia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sinaloa-cartel-laundering-network-in-cambodia
> Updated: 2026-08-26T11:01:38.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Cambodian and U.S. anti-drug agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), conducted a joint operation between August 1 and August 5 targeting locations in Phnom Penh and Kandal province. The operation dismantled a cryptocurrency laundering network linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel.

Authorities seized approximately $7 million in cryptocurrency, over 200 kilograms of illegal drugs, and more than one metric ton of precursor chemicals. The raids also uncovered drug laboratories and storage facilities. Reports indicate that at least six Vietnamese nationals were among those arrested.

Investigators are currently seeking suspects in Cambodia related to a prior law enforcement operation in New Jersey that also seized $7 million in cryptocurrency linked to the cartel. The Sinaloa Cartel, designated a ‘foreign terrorist organization’ by the U.S., is noted as a major producer of fentanyl.

## Claims

- Cambodian and U.S. anti-drug agencies uncovered a network using cryptocurrency to launder money for the Sinaloa Cartel. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Between August 1 and August 5, Cambodian police and the U.S. DEA raided four locations in Phnom Penh and Kandal province. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Authorities confiscated over 200 kilograms of illegal drugs and more than one metric ton of precursor chemicals. (corroborated by 3 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. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- U.S. officials previously seized approximately $7 million in cryptocurrency linked to the cartel during an operation in New Jersey. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- At least six Vietnamese nationals were among those arrested during the raids. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Sinaloa Cartel linked to Cambodian cryptocurrency laundering network

Cambodian and U.S. agencies dismantled a cryptocurrency laundering network for Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel, seizing drugs, precursor chemicals, and targeting assets in Phnom Penh and Kandal province.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sinaloa-cartel-linked-to-cambodian-cryptocurrency-laundering-network

### 2026-08-21: Cambodia and U.S. dismantle Sinaloa Cartel cryptocurrency laundering network

Cambodian and U.S. authorities dismantled a cryptocurrency laundering network for Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel, seizing $7 million in digital assets, 200kg of drugs, and precursor chemicals.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sinaloa-cartel-money-laundering-network-dismantled-in-cambodia

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Cite as: Sinaloa Cartel laundering network in Cambodia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sinaloa-cartel-laundering-network-in-cambodia