Mexico Shuts 13 Casinos in Major Anti-Laundering Crackdown
Mexican authorities have temporarily shut down 13 casinos after uncovering financial activity believed to be linked to large-scale money laundering schemes. The enforcement action, announced during the government’s daily press briefing, follows months of coordinated investigation involving Mexican security agencies, financial regulators, and international partners, including the US Department of the Treasury and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
The inquiry revealed a complex network of irregular transactions across both online and physical gambling platforms. Investigators reported the misuse of personal and banking information belonging to young adults, retirees, and homemakers, often obtained through deception or identity theft. These details were allegedly used to channel funds of unclear origin into gambling accounts via prepaid cards and digital codes. Authorities also identified fabricated winnings and payout records that did not correspond to actual player activity.
A significant portion of the funds was traced through financial systems in multiple jurisdictions, including Malta, Panama, Romania, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Officials stated that the money was moved abroad, laundered through international channels, and eventually cycled back into Mexico disguised as legitimate business income. This pattern was repeated thousands of times, creating the appearance of lawful revenue.
In response to the findings, the government froze bank accounts associated with the implicated casinos. Investigators noted large cash movements, cross-border transfers, and financial structures designed to circumvent reporting obligations under federal anti-money laundering regulations.
President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasised that the enforcement decisions were based entirely on documented evidence, rejecting speculation that the actions carried political motives. Grupo Salinas, which confirmed ownership of two affected casinos, announced plans to challenge the measures before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The government has not publicly commented on potential legal proceedings, maintaining that regulatory standards must apply consistently across all operators.
