OFAC Sanctions Mexican Human Smuggling Group, Affiliates

The Office of Foreign Assets Control this week sanctioned the Mexico-based Bhardwaj Human Smuggling Organization, a transnational criminal organization, and its leader, Vikrant Bhardwaj. The agency also sanctioned senior members and affiliates of the group, along with companies that have "facilitated and profited" from its criminal activities.

The individuals include Jose German Valadez Flores, a businessman and drug trafficker who OFAC said is a close associate of Bhardwaj; Jorge Alejandro Mendoza Villegas, a former police officer who has access to the Cancun International Airport to help coordinate arrivals and departures of undocumented migrants; and Bhardwaj’s wife, Indu Rani. Also sanctioned were real estate companies, a supermarket, a restaurant, touring services and more.