On December 23, 2025, the US Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced the launch of a data-driven border enforcement operation aimed at combating money laundering activities of drug trafficking groups.
According to a statement released by the Treasury Department on Monday, FinCEN has initiated a multi-layered operation targeting over 100 Money Services Businesses (MSBs) operating in the southwest border of the United States. These MSBs provide financial services outside of regular banks and are currently under review to determine if they have violated US regulations aimed at combating money laundering and illegal financial activities.
“Under President Trump’s guidance, the Treasury Department is leveraging all tools to combat terrorism-financing drug cartels, drug smugglers, and human traffickers,” said US Treasury Secretary Bennett. “This large-scale operation will help root out potential money laundering activities related to drug trafficking groups from the US financial system.”
“This operation aligns with President Trump’s directive to enhance border security and eradicate drug trafficking groups and transnational criminal organizations completely,” the Treasury Department stated in its announcement.
The statement also mentioned that FinCEN is currently utilizing high-performance data processing technology to uncover illicit networks, safeguarding the US financial system from evolving threats. The Treasury Department’s modernization efforts enhance FinCEN’s ability to transform scattered financial information into reliable, decision-grade intelligence.
“It is this investment in technological advancement that enables FinCEN to launch this unprecedented data-driven enforcement operation, thereby enhancing the security of the American public,” the statement said.
FinCEN requires MSBs to verify customer identities, monitor suspicious activities in transactions, and promptly report any suspicious activities.