https://mexicobusiness.news/policyandeconomy/news/us-treasury-freezes-assets-cjng-linked-firms

The United States government announced sanctions against individuals and companies based in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas accused of carrying out timeshare-related fraud schemes on behalf of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

US authorities have classified the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization responsible for a significant share of fentanyl and other illegal drugs entering the country. According to the US Treasury and State Departments, the scams were often run through call centers staffed by English-speaking operators posing as agents, lawyers, or US government officials. They targeted US citizens, often elderly, by charging upfront fees and taxes under false pretenses. The FBI estimates that victims lost nearly US$300 million in timeshare fraud schemes in Mexico between 2019 and 2023.

The Treasury said the CJNG obtained personal data on American timeshare owners from insiders at resorts and used it to carry out resale, sublease, and investment scams. The sanctions target the assets of four Mexican nationals and 13 Mexican companies linked to the scheme..

The sanctioned companies include Akali Realtors, Centro Mediador De La Costa, Corporativo Integral De La Costa, Corporativo Costa Norte, Sunmex Travel, TTR Go, Inmobiliaria Integral Del Puerto, KVY Bucerias, Servicios Inmobiliarios Ibadi, Fishing Are Us, Santamaria Cruise, Laminado Profesional Automotriz Elte, and Consultorías Profesionales Almida. As a result, all property and interests in property owned by these individuals or entities in the United States or under US jurisdiction, are frozen.

“Under President Trump’s direction, we will continue our efforts to completely dismantle the cartels’ ability to generate revenue, including their exploitation of older Americans through timeshare fraud,” said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.