The United States and Mexico are working jointly to counter money laundering within Mexico’s gaming and betting sector. “Our message to those who aid the cartels is clear: they will be held accountable,” said John K. Hurley, the U.S. Treasury’s Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. “We appreciate the Government of Mexico’s strong partnership in this effort.”
According to U.S. authorities, the Hysa Organized Crime Group (HOCG)—comprising members of the Hysa family, including Luftar, Arben, Ramiz, Fatos, and Fabjon—leveraged investments or control over multiple Mexico-based businesses to launder drug trafficking proceeds. Their portfolio includes casinos, restaurants, bars, and entertainment companies. Officials believe the group operated with the consent of the Sinaloa Cartel, which maintains criminal dominance across much of the territory where the network has been active.
Official records and media reports indicate that Luftar Hysa has not only traveled to Mexico but has lived in the country for years, obtaining Mexican citizenship in 2016 and building an extensive business network. He arrived in 2004 and has operated more than ten businesses in states such as Sinaloa, Sonora, Baja California, Tabasco, and Nuevo León.
A casino under scrutiny
In October 2023, Canadian outlet La Presse reported that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had been monitoring Luftar Hysa as a suspected money launderer. In March 2024, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission ordered the closure of the Magic Palace casino—located near Route 132 by the Mercier Bridge—due to concerns over Hysa’s suspected involvement as a shareholder.
Hysa has consistently denied wrongdoing, asserting that he respects the law and that allegations made by the RCMP, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and U.S. authorities have not resulted in criminal charges.
Companies linked to the Hysa network in Mexico
Authorities have identified several companies allegedly used by the Hysa family to launder proceeds for the Sinaloa Cartel. Among them:
- Entretenimiento Palmero S.A. de C.V. – Casino operations
- Rosetta Gaming S.A. de C.V. – Casino gaming software development
- Diversiones Los Mochis S.A. de C.V. – Industrial, electrical, and electronic machinery manufacturing
- Cucina Del Porto S.A. de C.V. – Food service
- El Arte de Cocinas y Beber S.A. de C.V. – Food service
- H Hidrocarburos S.A. de C.V. – Refined petroleum products manufacturing
- Hysa Forwarders S.A. de C.V. – Retail sales of clothing, footwear, and leather goods
