U.S. Targets 10 Front Companies Used by 'Los Chapitos' to Launder Fentanyl Proceeds

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U.S. officials say a real estate firm, a spa, and a clothing rental service are among the front companies used by Los Chapitos to launder proceeds from their fentanyl trafficking operations.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced on Monday sanctions against Jesús Alfredo and Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán and current leaders of the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa cartel.

In addition, the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)sanctioned a network of cartel associates and businesses based in Mazatlán, Sinaloa. Officials allege the network has been used for drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping and money laundering.

Of the 10 businesses included in the sanctions, Infobae México reports that three maintain active social media profiles and at least two appear to still be operating.

One of them is Carpe Diem Spa, located in a condominium complex along Mazatlán's Marina Boulevard, one of the city's busiest roads.

Although the spa markets itself as a space for skincare and physical wellness, U.S. officials say it is part of a network controlled by Víctor Manuel Barraza Pablos. He is described by the Treasury Department as a plaza boss for Los Chapitos, allegedly overseeing the group's criminal activities in Mazatlán.

Behind the spa's pastel-toned Instagram aesthetic, the business is allegedly one of the 10 companies used to launder fentanyl profits. The account has more than 9,000 followers and follows only eight accounts — several of which also belong to entities sanctioned by the Treasury on June 9.

Another Mazatlán-based company under sanction is Inmobiliaria 247, managed by José Raúl Núñez Ríos, a close associate of both Iván Archivaldo and Barraza. With the help of his wife, Sheila Paola Urías Vázquez, the couple allegedly purchases and manages front companies for the criminal organization.

Inmobiliaria 247 promotes itself as an emerging real estate developer focused on vertical construction in tourist areas along Mexico's Pacific coast. The company's last Instagram posts were published in October 2023. Like Carpe Diem Spa, its website is currently inactive.

The most prominent of the three businesses still active online is MUE Renta y Venta de Vestidos, a clothing rental company specializing in dresses for galas and formal events.

With more than 16,000 followers on Instagram, MUE promotes itself as an affordable option for luxury attire. Posts show clients posing in malls, event venues and on runways.

According to previous posts, MUE Renta y Venta de Vestidos has participated in high-profile local events such as the 2025 Mazatlán International Carnival.

As mentioned by the OFAC, Urías Vázquez is officially listed as the owner of Carpe Diem Spa, Sea Wa Beach Club, MUE Renta de Vestidos and other companies tied to real estate and hospitality.

In its statement, the Treasury Department said these front companies have been used to finance the internal conflict between Los Chapitos and rival faction La Mayiza, as well as to conceal funds derived from fentanyl trafficking to the United States.