US sanctions Guadalajara firms linked to fugitive kingpin

The U.S. Treasury Department designated 20 businesses and one individual linked to infamous Guadalajara Cartel founder Rafael Caro Quintero on Thursday.

Caro Quintero, who has disappeared since his controversial early release from prison in August, is wanted in the United States for his role in the kidnapping, torture and execution of undercover DEA agent Enrique Camarena in 1985.

The Treasury Department previously imposed sanctions in June against 18 people and 15 companies based in and around Guadalajara which allegedly launder money for Caro Quintero. The latest designees under the Kingpin Act include nine real estate agencies, four energy firms and two agricultural companies based in the Guadalajara area, and one individual: Guadalajara native Juan Carlos Soto Ruiz, 35. For the full list of names visit the Treasury Department website.