**U.S. Accuses Mexican Banks of Fentanyl-Related Money Laundering**

The accusations threaten to escalate tensions between the U.S. and Mexico, as financial firms reject the claims and demand proof of illegal activity.

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing fight against drug cartels, the U.S. Treasury Department has targeted three Mexican financial firms for allegedly laundering millions of dollars in connection with the illegal fentanyl trade. The investigation, which falls under the Trump administration's crackdown on opioid trafficking, highlights the increasingly complex relationship between the two countries as they grapple with the fallout of drug-related violence and addiction.

The accused firms, Vector Casa de Bolsa, Intercam Banco, and CIBanco, now face restrictions on certain financial transactions, a move that could further strain U.S.-Mexico relations. Accusations against Vector Casa de Bolsa, in particular, are drawing attention due to its control by Alfonso Romo, former chief of staff to ex-president Andrés Manuel López Obrador. This connection raises eyebrows as the leftist governing party, founded by López Obrador, has been working to combat the increasing influence of drug cartels.

In a statement, Vector denied the allegations, asserting that it operates under strict regulatory compliance and scrutiny, indicating that the transactions in question were standard dealings with legitimate businesses. Mexico’s Finance Ministry has echoed these sentiments, demanding evidence linking the firms to illegal activities. In response to the U.S. Treasury's assertions, the ministry pointed out that the wire transfers involved were to legal entities in China and are routine in international trade.

As both governments navigate the complexities of this crisis, it remains to be seen how this latest round of accusations will impact bilateral relations and efforts to address drug trafficking in North America.