How Much Money Does The Cartel Have? According to estimates, drug cartels generate billions of dollars annually from trafficking drugs, human smuggling, and other illicit activities. Money-central.com provides you with an overview of the Cartel’s financial power and illicit money flows and offers a path to financial security. You’ll find helpful advice on your personal finances, including managing your investments and budgeting. If you’re looking to boost your financial knowledge, consider researching wealth management, financial planning, and asset protection.
1. Understanding the Cartel’s Financial Power
How much money do cartels possess? Cartels’ financial power is vast and complex, with estimates suggesting they generate billions of dollars annually through various illicit activities. According to research, in 2023, the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) are the dominant forces, controlling a significant portion of the drug market in the United States.
1.1 The Scope of Cartel Finances
How extensive are cartel finances? Cartel finances extend far beyond drug trafficking, encompassing human smuggling, extortion, and other illegal activities. These funds are often laundered through complex networks, making it difficult to trace and seize their assets. The cartels’ financial reach allows them to exert considerable influence, corrupting government officials and destabilizing entire regions.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, cartels launder money using various methods, including bulk cash smuggling, shell companies, and real estate investments. These tactics make it challenging for law enforcement to disrupt their financial operations. The vast sums of money involved enable cartels to maintain their power and expand their operations.
1.2 Key Sources of Revenue
What are the key revenue sources for cartels? Drug trafficking, particularly of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, remains the primary source of revenue for cartels. Human smuggling, extortion, and illegal mining also contribute significantly to their financial gains.
- Drug Trafficking: Cartels control the production, distribution, and sale of illegal drugs, generating billions of dollars annually.
- Human Smuggling: They profit from smuggling migrants across borders, charging high fees for their services.
- Extortion: Cartels extort businesses and individuals, demanding protection money and threatening violence if their demands are not met.
- Illegal Mining: They engage in illegal mining activities, exploiting natural resources and generating additional income.
1.3 Financial Impact on the United States
What is the financial impact of cartels on the United States? The financial impact of cartels on the United States is substantial. The economic costs associated with drug addiction, healthcare, law enforcement, and lost productivity amount to hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Additionally, the social costs of violence, crime, and corruption further strain communities and resources.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the economic burden of opioid overdose deaths alone exceeds $78 billion per year. This figure includes costs related to healthcare, lost productivity, and criminal justice involvement. The cartels’ role in the drug trade exacerbates these costs, placing a significant strain on the U.S. economy and society.
1.4 The Dominance of Sinaloa and CJNG
What makes the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG so dominant? The Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG have risen to dominance due to their sophisticated operations, extensive networks, and ruthless tactics. They control key trafficking routes and maintain a strong presence in major cities across the United States.
These cartels have diversified their operations, engaging in various criminal activities to maximize their profits. Their ability to adapt to changing market conditions and evade law enforcement has allowed them to maintain their dominance in the drug trade.
2. Assessing the Net Worth of Major Cartels
What is the net worth of major cartels? Assessing the net worth of major cartels is challenging due to the clandestine nature of their operations. However, estimates suggest that the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG each possess a net worth in the billions of dollars.
2.1 Challenges in Estimating Cartel Wealth
Why is it difficult to estimate cartel wealth? Estimating cartel wealth is difficult due to several factors, including the secrecy of their operations, the use of complex money laundering schemes, and the lack of reliable data.
- Secrecy: Cartels operate in the shadows, making it difficult to gather accurate financial information.
- Money Laundering: They use sophisticated techniques to hide their illicit proceeds, obscuring the true extent of their wealth.
- Data Scarcity: Reliable data on cartel finances is limited, making it challenging to develop accurate estimates.
2.2 Estimated Net Worth of the Sinaloa Cartel
What is the estimated net worth of the Sinaloa Cartel? The Sinaloa Cartel’s estimated net worth is in the billions of dollars, making it one of the wealthiest criminal organizations in the world. Their vast financial resources allow them to maintain a powerful presence in the drug trade and exert considerable influence in Mexico and beyond.
According to various reports, the Sinaloa Cartel’s wealth is derived from drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other illicit activities. Their ability to control key trafficking routes and maintain a strong presence in major cities has contributed to their financial success.
2.3 Estimated Net Worth of CJNG
How does the net worth of CJNG compare to the Sinaloa Cartel? The CJNG’s estimated net worth is also in the billions of dollars, rivaling that of the Sinaloa Cartel. Their rapid expansion and aggressive tactics have allowed them to seize control of significant portions of the drug market, generating substantial profits.
The CJNG has diversified its operations, engaging in various criminal activities to maximize its profits. Their ability to adapt to changing market conditions and evade law enforcement has allowed them to accumulate vast wealth.
2.4 Factors Influencing Cartel Wealth
What factors influence cartel wealth? Several factors influence cartel wealth, including drug prices, market demand, law enforcement efforts, and competition from other criminal organizations.
- Drug Prices: Fluctuations in drug prices can significantly impact cartel revenues.
- Market Demand: Changes in demand for illegal drugs can affect cartel profits.
- Law Enforcement: Increased law enforcement efforts can disrupt cartel operations and reduce their financial gains.
- Competition: Competition from other criminal organizations can erode cartel market share and decrease their wealth.
2.5 Comparison with Other Criminal Organizations
How does cartel wealth compare to other criminal organizations? Cartel wealth is comparable to that of other major criminal organizations, such as the Italian Mafia and Russian organized crime groups. These organizations also generate billions of dollars annually through various illicit activities.
However, the cartels’ focus on drug trafficking and their control of key trafficking routes give them a significant advantage in terms of financial power. Their ability to generate vast profits from the drug trade allows them to maintain a powerful presence in the criminal underworld.
3. How Cartels Accumulate Wealth
How do cartels accumulate wealth? Cartels accumulate wealth through a combination of drug trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, and other illicit activities. They use sophisticated techniques to maximize their profits and evade law enforcement.
3.1 Drug Trafficking Operations
How do drug trafficking operations contribute to cartel wealth? Drug trafficking operations are the primary source of revenue for cartels. They control the production, distribution, and sale of illegal drugs, generating billions of dollars annually.
- Production: Cartels oversee the cultivation of illicit crops and the production of illegal drugs.
- Distribution: They manage complex networks for transporting drugs across borders and distributing them to wholesale and retail markets.
- Sales: Cartels control the sale of drugs at various levels, maximizing their profits at each stage of the supply chain.
3.2 Human Smuggling Enterprises
How do human smuggling enterprises contribute to cartel wealth? Human smuggling enterprises generate significant revenue for cartels. They profit from smuggling migrants across borders, charging high fees for their services.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), human smuggling is a multibillion-dollar industry, with cartels playing a major role. They exploit vulnerable migrants seeking to enter the United States, charging them exorbitant fees and subjecting them to dangerous conditions.
3.3 Extortion and Protection Rackets
What role do extortion and protection rackets play in cartel finances? Extortion and protection rackets contribute significantly to cartel finances. They extort businesses and individuals, demanding protection money and threatening violence if their demands are not met.
Cartels often target businesses in areas under their control, demanding a percentage of their profits in exchange for protection from rival gangs. They also extort individuals, threatening to harm them or their families if they do not comply with their demands.
3.4 Diversification into Other Illicit Activities
How do cartels diversify into other illicit activities? Cartels diversify into other illicit activities to expand their revenue streams and reduce their reliance on drug trafficking. They engage in activities such as illegal mining, oil theft, and counterfeiting.
- Illegal Mining: Cartels exploit natural resources by engaging in illegal mining activities, generating additional income.
- Oil Theft: They steal oil from pipelines and refineries, selling it on the black market for profit.
- Counterfeiting: Cartels produce and sell counterfeit goods, such as clothing, electronics, and pharmaceuticals, generating additional revenue.
3.5 Control of Territory and Resources
How does control of territory and resources contribute to cartel wealth? Control of territory and resources is essential for cartels to maintain their financial power. They control key trafficking routes, production areas, and distribution networks, allowing them to maximize their profits.
Cartels use violence and intimidation to control territory and resources, suppressing competition and ensuring their dominance in the drug trade. Their ability to control these assets allows them to maintain a powerful presence in the criminal underworld.
4. Money Laundering Techniques Used by Cartels
What money laundering techniques do cartels use? Cartels use a variety of sophisticated money laundering techniques to conceal their illicit proceeds and integrate them into the legitimate financial system. These techniques include bulk cash smuggling, shell companies, real estate investments, and trade-based money laundering.
4.1 Bulk Cash Smuggling
What is bulk cash smuggling? Bulk cash smuggling involves physically transporting large amounts of cash across borders to avoid detection by financial institutions and law enforcement.
Cartels use various methods to smuggle cash, including hiding it in vehicles, luggage, and cargo containers. They also employ couriers to transport cash across borders, often using circuitous routes to avoid detection.
4.2 Shell Companies and Front Businesses
How do shell companies and front businesses facilitate money laundering? Shell companies and front businesses are used to disguise the ownership and control of illicit funds. Cartels create these entities to launder money through seemingly legitimate transactions.
- Shell Companies: These are companies that exist only on paper and have no legitimate business activities.
- Front Businesses: These are legitimate businesses that are used to launder money by mixing illicit funds with legitimate revenues.
4.3 Real Estate and Asset Investments
How do real estate and asset investments contribute to money laundering? Real estate and asset investments provide a way for cartels to launder money by purchasing properties and other assets with illicit funds.
Cartels often purchase real estate in cash, avoiding scrutiny from financial institutions. They also invest in other assets, such as luxury cars, jewelry, and artwork, to store their wealth and conceal its origins.
4.4 Trade-Based Money Laundering
What is trade-based money laundering? Trade-based money laundering involves using international trade transactions to disguise the movement of illicit funds.
Cartels use various techniques to launder money through trade, including over-invoicing, under-invoicing, and multiple invoicing. They also use shell companies to facilitate these transactions, making it difficult to trace the flow of funds.
4.5 Use of Cryptocurrency
How do cartels use cryptocurrency for money laundering? Cartels are increasingly using cryptocurrency to launder money due to its anonymity and ease of use. They use various methods to convert illicit funds into cryptocurrency, including online exchanges and peer-to-peer transactions.
While cryptocurrency transactions are recorded on a public ledger, it can be difficult to trace the identity of the individuals involved. This anonymity makes cryptocurrency an attractive tool for cartels seeking to launder money.
5. Impact of Cartel Wealth on Society and Governance
What is the impact of cartel wealth on society and governance? Cartel wealth has a profound and destabilizing impact on society and governance. It fuels corruption, violence, and social inequality, undermining the rule of law and eroding public trust in institutions.
5.1 Corruption of Government Officials
How does cartel wealth contribute to corruption? Cartel wealth contributes to corruption by enabling cartels to bribe and co-opt government officials at all levels. This corruption undermines the rule of law and allows cartels to operate with impunity.
Cartels offer bribes to law enforcement officers, judges, and politicians in exchange for protection and favorable treatment. They also use threats and violence to intimidate officials who refuse to cooperate.
5.2 Increased Violence and Crime Rates
How does cartel wealth impact violence and crime rates? Cartel wealth fuels violence and crime by providing cartels with the resources to wage war against rival gangs and law enforcement agencies. This violence destabilizes communities and undermines public safety.
Cartels use their wealth to purchase weapons, recruit soldiers, and finance their operations. They also engage in acts of violence to intimidate rivals and maintain their control over territory and resources.
5.3 Undermining of Democratic Institutions
How does cartel wealth undermine democratic institutions? Cartel wealth undermines democratic institutions by corrupting the electoral process, intimidating voters, and undermining public trust in government.
Cartels use their wealth to influence elections, supporting candidates who are sympathetic to their interests. They also use violence and intimidation to discourage voters from participating in the electoral process.
5.4 Social Inequality and Economic Disparities
How does cartel wealth exacerbate social inequality and economic disparities? Cartel wealth exacerbates social inequality and economic disparities by concentrating wealth in the hands of a few and depriving communities of resources and opportunities.
Cartels use their wealth to enrich themselves and their allies, while neglecting the needs of the communities in which they operate. This creates a cycle of poverty and inequality, making it difficult for individuals to improve their lives.
5.5 Impact on Legitimate Businesses
How does cartel wealth impact legitimate businesses? Cartel wealth impacts legitimate businesses by creating unfair competition, distorting markets, and undermining the rule of law.
Cartels use their wealth to fund front businesses that compete unfairly with legitimate enterprises. They also engage in extortion and protection rackets, demanding payments from businesses in exchange for protection from rival gangs.
6. Efforts to Combat Cartel Finances
What efforts are being made to combat cartel finances? Governments and international organizations are undertaking various efforts to combat cartel finances, including strengthening anti-money laundering laws, enhancing law enforcement cooperation, and implementing asset forfeiture programs.
6.1 Strengthening Anti-Money Laundering Laws
How do anti-money laundering laws help combat cartel finances? Strengthening anti-money laundering laws helps combat cartel finances by making it more difficult for cartels to conceal their illicit proceeds and integrate them into the legitimate financial system.
These laws require financial institutions to implement measures to detect and prevent money laundering, such as verifying the identity of customers, monitoring transactions for suspicious activity, and reporting suspicious transactions to law enforcement.
6.2 Enhancing Law Enforcement Cooperation
How does enhanced law enforcement cooperation help combat cartel finances? Enhancing law enforcement cooperation helps combat cartel finances by facilitating the sharing of information and intelligence between agencies and countries.
This cooperation allows law enforcement agencies to track the flow of illicit funds across borders, identify and dismantle money laundering networks, and seize cartel assets.
6.3 Asset Forfeiture Programs
How do asset forfeiture programs help combat cartel finances? Asset forfeiture programs allow law enforcement agencies to seize assets that are derived from or used to facilitate criminal activity.
These programs deprive cartels of their financial resources, disrupting their operations and preventing them from using their wealth to fund further criminal activity.
6.4 International Cooperation and Treaties
How do international cooperation and treaties help combat cartel finances? International cooperation and treaties facilitate the sharing of information and resources between countries, allowing them to coordinate their efforts to combat cartel finances.
These agreements provide a framework for countries to work together to investigate and prosecute money laundering offenses, seize cartel assets, and extradite criminals.
6.5 Technological Innovations in Financial Tracking
How do technological innovations aid in tracking cartel finances? Technological innovations, such as data analytics and artificial intelligence, are being used to track cartel finances more effectively.
These technologies allow law enforcement agencies to analyze large volumes of financial data, identify patterns of suspicious activity, and track the flow of illicit funds across borders.
7. Case Studies of Cartel Asset Seizures
What are some case studies of cartel asset seizures? Several high-profile cases of cartel asset seizures demonstrate the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts to disrupt cartel finances. These cases involve the seizure of billions of dollars in cash, real estate, and other assets.
7.1 Seizure of Sinaloa Cartel Assets
What are some notable seizures of Sinaloa Cartel assets? The seizure of Sinaloa Cartel assets has resulted in the confiscation of billions of dollars in cash, real estate, and other assets. These seizures have disrupted the cartel’s operations and weakened its financial power.
In one notable case, U.S. authorities seized over $1 billion in assets from the Sinaloa Cartel, including cash, real estate, and luxury vehicles. These assets were linked to drug trafficking and money laundering activities.
7.2 Seizure of CJNG Assets
What are some notable seizures of CJNG assets? The seizure of CJNG assets has resulted in the confiscation of significant amounts of cash, real estate, and other assets. These seizures have disrupted the cartel’s operations and weakened its financial power.
In one notable case, Mexican authorities seized over $500 million in assets from the CJNG, including cash, real estate, and businesses. These assets were linked to drug trafficking and money laundering activities.
7.3 Impact of Asset Seizures on Cartel Operations
How do asset seizures impact cartel operations? Asset seizures have a significant impact on cartel operations by depriving them of their financial resources. This disrupts their ability to fund their activities, recruit new members, and corrupt government officials.
Asset seizures also send a message to cartels that their illicit activities will not be tolerated and that they will be held accountable for their crimes.
7.4 Challenges in Asset Recovery
What are the challenges in asset recovery? Asset recovery can be a challenging process due to legal complexities, jurisdictional issues, and the difficulty of tracing illicit funds across borders.
- Legal Complexities: Asset recovery cases often involve complex legal issues, such as proving the link between the assets and the criminal activity.
- Jurisdictional Issues: Assets may be located in different countries, requiring cooperation between law enforcement agencies to recover them.
- Tracing Illicit Funds: Cartels use sophisticated money laundering techniques to conceal their illicit proceeds, making it difficult to trace the flow of funds.
7.5 Success Stories in Asset Recovery
What are some success stories in asset recovery? Despite the challenges, there have been several success stories in asset recovery, with law enforcement agencies recovering significant amounts of assets from cartels.
These success stories demonstrate the effectiveness of asset forfeiture programs and the importance of international cooperation in combating cartel finances.
8. The Role of Technology in Disrupting Cartel Finances
How can technology disrupt cartel finances? Technology plays a crucial role in disrupting cartel finances by enhancing law enforcement’s ability to track illicit funds, identify money laundering networks, and seize cartel assets.
8.1 Data Analytics and AI in Financial Investigations
How can data analytics and AI enhance financial investigations? Data analytics and AI can enhance financial investigations by allowing law enforcement agencies to analyze large volumes of financial data, identify patterns of suspicious activity, and track the flow of illicit funds across borders.
These technologies can also be used to identify shell companies, front businesses, and other entities that are used to launder money.
8.2 Blockchain Analysis for Cryptocurrency Tracking
How can blockchain analysis help track cryptocurrency transactions? Blockchain analysis can help track cryptocurrency transactions by providing law enforcement agencies with the ability to trace the flow of funds across the blockchain.
While cryptocurrency transactions are anonymous, they are recorded on a public ledger. Blockchain analysis tools can be used to identify patterns of activity, track the movement of funds, and identify the individuals involved in illicit transactions.
8.3 Cybersecurity Measures to Protect Financial Systems
How do cybersecurity measures protect financial systems from cartel activity? Cybersecurity measures protect financial systems from cartel activity by preventing cartels from hacking into financial institutions and stealing funds.
These measures include implementing strong passwords, using firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and educating employees about phishing scams and other cyber threats.
8.4 Digital Forensics in Asset Recovery
How does digital forensics aid in asset recovery? Digital forensics aids in asset recovery by allowing law enforcement agencies to recover digital evidence from computers, smartphones, and other devices.
This evidence can be used to identify assets that are linked to criminal activity, trace the flow of illicit funds, and build cases against cartel members.
8.5 Challenges in Staying Ahead of Technological Advancements
What are the challenges in staying ahead of technological advancements? Staying ahead of technological advancements is a challenge for law enforcement agencies due to the rapid pace of innovation.
Cartels are constantly developing new and sophisticated techniques to evade detection, requiring law enforcement agencies to adapt and innovate to stay one step ahead.
9. Policy Recommendations for Reducing Cartel Wealth
What policy recommendations can help reduce cartel wealth? Several policy recommendations can help reduce cartel wealth, including strengthening anti-money laundering laws, enhancing law enforcement cooperation, implementing asset forfeiture programs, and addressing the underlying drivers of drug demand.
9.1 Strengthening Financial Regulations
How can strengthening financial regulations help reduce cartel wealth? Strengthening financial regulations can help reduce cartel wealth by making it more difficult for cartels to conceal their illicit proceeds and integrate them into the legitimate financial system.
These regulations should require financial institutions to implement robust anti-money laundering programs, verify the identity of customers, monitor transactions for suspicious activity, and report suspicious transactions to law enforcement.
9.2 Enhancing International Cooperation
How can enhanced international cooperation help reduce cartel wealth? Enhanced international cooperation can help reduce cartel wealth by facilitating the sharing of information and resources between countries.
This cooperation should include the sharing of intelligence, the coordination of law enforcement efforts, and the extradition of criminals.
9.3 Addressing Drug Demand
How does addressing drug demand impact cartel finances? Addressing drug demand can help reduce cartel wealth by reducing the demand for illegal drugs. This can be achieved through education, prevention, and treatment programs.
By reducing the demand for drugs, we can reduce the profits that cartels generate from drug trafficking, weakening their financial power.
9.4 Promoting Economic Development in Vulnerable Regions
How does promoting economic development help combat cartel influence? Promoting economic development in vulnerable regions can help combat cartel influence by providing individuals with alternative economic opportunities.
By creating jobs and promoting economic growth, we can reduce the incentives for individuals to become involved in cartel activities.
9.5 Community Engagement and Education
How do community engagement and education help combat cartel influence? Community engagement and education can help combat cartel influence by raising awareness of the dangers of cartel activity and empowering communities to resist their influence.
By educating individuals about the risks of drug use and the consequences of involvement in cartel activities, we can reduce the demand for drugs and the support for cartels.
10. Personal Finance Strategies to Combat Cartel Influence
What personal finance strategies can help combat cartel influence? While combating cartels requires systemic efforts, individuals can adopt personal finance strategies that indirectly undermine cartel influence by promoting financial health and reducing vulnerability to illicit economies.
10.1 Understanding Financial Literacy
How does financial literacy help combat cartel influence? Understanding financial literacy empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions, reducing their vulnerability to predatory schemes and illicit economies often fueled by cartel money.
Financial literacy includes budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding credit, enabling individuals to manage their finances effectively and avoid dependence on illegal sources of income.
10.2 Avoiding Predatory Lending Practices
How does avoiding predatory lending practices help combat cartel influence? Avoiding predatory lending practices, such as payday loans and high-interest lenders, prevents individuals from falling into debt traps that can make them vulnerable to cartel recruitment or exploitation.
These practices often target vulnerable populations, trapping them in cycles of debt that can make them susceptible to illegal activities.
10.3 Supporting Ethical Businesses
How does supporting ethical businesses help combat cartel influence? Supporting ethical businesses that operate transparently and adhere to fair labor practices helps undermine cartel influence by promoting legitimate economic activity.
Ethical businesses contribute to the local economy without resorting to illegal practices or supporting criminal organizations.
10.4 Investing in Community Development
How does investing in community development help combat cartel influence? Investing in community development initiatives, such as education programs and job training, strengthens communities and reduces the appeal of cartel involvement.
Community development provides individuals with alternative opportunities and resources, fostering resilience against cartel influence.
10.5 Promoting Financial Transparency
How does promoting financial transparency help combat cartel influence? Promoting financial transparency by advocating for policies that reduce corruption and illicit financial flows helps undermine cartel wealth and influence.
Transparency initiatives, such as beneficial ownership registries and anti-corruption laws, make it more difficult for cartels to hide their illicit proceeds and operate with impunity.
Call to Action:
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FAQ: Unveiling the Financial Secrets of Cartels
1. How much money does the cartel have in total?
The net worth of major cartels, like the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG, is estimated to be in the billions of dollars each, derived from drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other illicit activities.
2. What is the primary source of income for drug cartels?
The primary source of income for drug cartels is drug trafficking, specifically the production, distribution, and sale of illegal drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
3. How do cartels launder their money?
Cartels use various methods to launder money, including bulk cash smuggling, shell companies, real estate investments, trade-based money laundering, and increasingly, cryptocurrencies.
4. What impact does cartel wealth have on society?
Cartel wealth contributes to corruption, increased violence and crime rates, undermining of democratic institutions, social inequality, and has a negative impact on legitimate businesses.
5. What are some efforts to combat cartel finances?
Efforts to combat cartel finances include strengthening anti-money laundering laws, enhancing law enforcement cooperation, asset forfeiture programs, and international cooperation.
6. How do asset seizures affect cartel operations?
Asset seizures disrupt cartel operations by depriving them of financial resources, hindering their ability to fund activities, recruit members, and corrupt government officials.
7. What role does technology play in disrupting cartel finances?
Technology aids in disrupting cartel finances through data analytics, AI for financial investigations, blockchain analysis for cryptocurrency tracking, and digital forensics in asset recovery.
8. What policy recommendations can help reduce cartel wealth?
Policy recommendations include strengthening financial regulations, enhancing international cooperation, addressing drug demand, promoting economic development in vulnerable regions, and community engagement and education.
9. How can individuals help combat cartel influence through personal finance strategies?
Individuals can combat cartel influence by understanding financial literacy, avoiding predatory lending practices, supporting ethical businesses, investing in community development, and promoting financial transparency.
10. What is the role of cryptocurrency in cartel finances?
Cartels increasingly use cryptocurrency for money laundering due to its anonymity and ease of use, converting illicit funds into cryptocurrency through online exchanges and peer-to-peer transactions.
