The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on the Bhardwaj Human Smuggling Organization (Bhardwaj HSO), a transnational criminal group based in Cancun, Mexico. The action targets the organization’s leader Vikrant Bhardwaj, three other individuals, and 16 companies that have supported or benefited from the group’s activities.
According to OFAC, the Bhardwaj HSO has smuggled thousands of people from Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Asia into the United States. In addition to human smuggling, the organization is also involved in drug trafficking, bribery, and money laundering.
“At the direction of Secretary Bessent and President Trump, the Treasury Department is taking action to crack down on human smugglers,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley. “Today’s action, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, disrupts this network’s ability to smuggle illegal aliens into the United States. The Trump Administration will continue to target and dismantle terrorist transnational criminal organizations to protect the American people.”
The sanctions were issued under Executive Order 13581 as amended by Executive Order 13863. OFAC coordinated its efforts with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Mexico’s financial intelligence unit.
The Bhardwaj HSO uses air and sea transportation methods to move undocumented migrants from countries considered national security concerns for the U.S., utilizing yachts and marinas for transport into Mexico before arranging further travel toward the U.S.-Mexico border. The organization works with associates including members of another sanctioned group—the Hernandez Salas TCO—using routes such as Tapachula-Cancun-Mexicali.
OFAC reports that each person smuggled generates thousands of dollars for Bhardwaj HSO. The group also receives support from individuals connected to the Sinaloa Cartel.
Vikrant Bhardwaj holds dual Indian-Mexican citizenship and leads several businesses across Mexico, India, and the UAE that are allegedly used for laundering illicit proceeds. Other key figures include Jose German Valadez Flores—a businessman linked with bribing officials—and Jorge Alejandro Mendoza Villegas—a former police officer who assists at Cancun International Airport.
OFAC also designated Indu Rani (Bhardwaj’s wife), who shares ownership in several companies tied to these operations. Multiple businesses across India, Mexico, and UAE were sanctioned for their connections to either Vikrant Bhardwaj or his associates.
As a result of these sanctions, all property belonging to designated persons within U.S. jurisdiction is blocked; Americans are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions involving these individuals or entities unless authorized by OFAC. Violations can lead to civil or criminal penalties under strict liability standards set out by OFAC regulations.
“The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior,” according to guidance provided by OFAC regarding its enforcement process.
Further information about those designated can be found through official Treasury channels.
