💨 Abstract

In August 2025, the Trump administration sanctioned Mexican musician Ricardo Hernández, known as “El Makabelico,” for allegedly laundering money for the Cartel del Noreste (CDN) through his concerts and streaming royalties. The U.S. Treasury Department claims that 50% of Hernández's streaming income goes to the CDN, marking him as a key figure in the cartel's operations.

Courtesy: WTOP Staff