Mexico and EU target cartel crypto laundering flows

Mexico and the European Union agreed to strengthen cooperation against crypto-linked money laundering as part of broader security discussions held during the 8th EU-Mexico Summit.

Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco Álvarez and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas said both governments would examine ways to coordinate efforts against criminal organisations using cryptocurrencies for illicit financial activity.

“Concerning security cooperation between Mexico and the European Union, we have discussed today how criminal organisations are conducting activities on a global scale—such as money laundering—and, of course, matters related to the use of cryptocurrencies for these types of illicit activities,”

Álvarez stated.

The announcement followed the signing of a trade agreement between Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that included roughly €5 billion in European investment commitments to Mexico.

Officials said future discussions would focus on maintaining dialogue and exploring joint strategies to address cross-border financial crime involving digital assets and organised criminal networks.

The cooperation effort comes amid growing concerns over crypto usage by the Sinaloa Cartel, which has expanded operations into Europe and increasingly used cryptocurrency to facilitate international money laundering activities.

US authorities recently sanctioned individuals and companies accused of laundering cartel drug proceeds through crypto transactions, while the DEA reportedly seized roughly $10 billion in cryptocurrency tied to cartel-linked activities in July 2025.