On Thursday, the United States government placed sanctions on Mahmoud al-Abyari, a high-ranking Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood official residing in the United Kingdom, alongside three other people and three entities. These parties face allegations of furnishing material support to Hamas. According to the State Department, both the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas utilize various front groups to facilitate the international movement of funds. U.S. officials stated this move aims to uncover deceptive charitable networks and dismantle the financial structures supporting these groups, as mandated by the national Counterterrorism Strategy.
Furthermore, Washington sanctioned more than 50 Mexican people and businesses connected to the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), an organization characterized as a highly dangerous narco-terrorist group. These sanctions are intended to hamper the cartel’s activities throughout Mexico and specifically target Juan Carlos González. Known as “Pelón,” González is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Mexico and has taken over as the leader of the CJNG. He replaced Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” who died during a military operation in Mexico this past February.
The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs has issued a $5 million reward for details assisting in the capture or prosecution of González. In a Thursday statement, the Trump Administration emphasized that González will eventually face legal consequences. The United States previously labeled the CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2025 due to its involvement in human trafficking, fraud, extortion, and the distribution of fentanyl.
