U.S. Sanctions Carlos Torres, Ex-Husband of Baja California Governor, Over Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Ties

-Editorial

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned Carlos Alberto Torres Torres, the former husband of Baja California Gov. Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, alleging that he used political influence to facilitate activities of the Sinaloa Cartel and protect the organization from government and law enforcement intervention in the state.

Torres was among 21 individuals and 25 entities sanctioned Sept. 29 by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, in an action targeting alleged leaders, financial facilitators and associates of the Sinaloa Cartel. The designations also included Ismael Zambada Sicairos, known as “Mayito Flaco,” whom U.S. authorities identify as a leader of the cartel’s Los Mayos faction.

“Today’s action underscores that no cartel kingpin, corrupt Mexican government official, or financial facilitator is beyond the reach of Treasury’s authorities,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. “Our message is clear: the Trump Administration will identify and disrupt any cartel actor who threatens our security or the integrity of our financial system.”

The Treasury Department identified Torres as a political operator associated with Juan José Ponce Félix, also known as Jesús Alexandro Sánchez Félix or “El Ruso,” whom U.S. authorities identify as a leader of Los Rusos, a faction of Los Mayos operating in Baja California.

According to the Treasury Department, Torres allegedly used his political influence to facilitate cartel activities and shield the Sinaloa Cartel from government and law enforcement intervention in Baja California. The department also said Torres’ U.S. visa was revoked in May 2025 because of what it described as his affiliation with the cartel and work on behalf of the organization.

Torres has denied the allegations. In a statement released after the Treasury announcement, he said he had no relationship with any criminal group or criminal activity and said he would cooperate with any investigation, asking that evidence supporting the allegations be presented.

The Treasury Department also sanctioned Torres’ brother, Luis Alfonso Torres Torres, and Pedro Ariel Mendívil García, a former director of public security in Mexicali.

U.S. authorities allege that Mendívil received bribes from “El Ruso” in exchange for allowing the cartel to exert influence over Mexicali municipal police operations and facilitate drug-trafficking activities. Treasury further alleges that Carlos Torres received monthly payments from Mendívil, while Luis Torres handled bribe payments and helped launder illicit proceeds through companies and political campaigns.

OFAC designated Carlos Torres, Luis Torres, Mendívil and other individuals under executive orders targeting illicit drug trafficking and terrorism-related financial support. Such sanctions generally block property and interests in property under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit certain transactions involving designated individuals and entities.

The broader Treasury action targets alleged Sinaloa Cartel networks operating in Baja California and elsewhere in Mexico. According to the department, the sanctions are intended to disrupt cartel leadership, financial networks and alleged corruption involving public officials who facilitate criminal organizations.

Baja California Government Responds

Following the announcement, the Baja California government issued a statement emphasizing that Gov. Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda is legally divorced from Torres and was not among the individuals sanctioned by OFAC.

The state government said the governor’s only shared interest with Torres is the well-being of their son. It also stated that Ávila Olmeda does not have bank accounts or real estate abroad and that her assets have been declared to Mexican authorities.

The governor also instructed the state’s administrative office to determine whether any companies identified by OFAC have held contracts with the Baja California government. The state said any relevant records would be forwarded to the Secretariat for Anti-Corruption and Good Government for review and appropriate action.

The state government said the individuals named by OFAC would have to address their individual situations directly with the appropriate authorities and that the administration would not speak on their behalf.

The Treasury allegations remain allegations by the U.S. government and do not, by themselves, constitute a criminal conviction. The sanctions are a U.S. government financial and legal measure that restricts access to the U.S. financial system and property subject to U.S. jurisdiction.

The case remains subject to further investigation by authorities in the United States and Mexico.