US Sanctions Mexican Rapper El Makabelico Over Alleged Cartel Ties

The US Department of the Treasury has announced fresh sanctions targeting members of Mexico’s Cartel del Noreste — including a hip-hop artist with millions of fans.

Among those sanctioned is 34-year-old Ricardo Hernandez, better known as El Makabelico, a popular musician and online personality. He was named alongside three alleged “high-ranking members” of the cartel: Abdon Rodriguez, Antonio Romero, and Francisco Esqueda.

The Cartel del Noreste, a splinter group of the notorious Los Zetas, is considered one of the most violent drug trafficking organizations operating in Mexico. According to US officials, the group plays a key role in drug smuggling, extortion, and money laundering, especially near the US-Mexico border, with a stronghold in Laredo, Texas.

“El Makabelico’s concerts and events are used to launder money on behalf of the organisation,” the Treasury said in a statement, claiming that “50 percent of his royalties from streaming platforms go directly to the group.”

The move comes just months after the Treasury sanctioned two other senior cartel figures back in May. The Biden administration has since followed through on a policy that began under former President Donald Trump, who in February officially designated several Mexican cartels as “global terrorist organisations”.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the latest sanctions are part of an ongoing effort to crack down on the cartels’ revenue streams.

“The Treasury Department will continue to be relentless in its effort to put America First by targeting terrorist drug cartels,” Bessent said in a statement. “These cartels poison Americans with fentanyl and conduct human smuggling operations along our southwest border.”

“Treasury, in close coordination with our law enforcement partners, is committed to a full-frontal assault on the cartels, targeting the leadership and revenue streams that enable their horrific crimes.”

As of now, DEL Records — the label El Makabelico lists on his social media accounts — has not commented on the announcement.