elpais.com
US Family Smuggles $300 Million in Mexican Crude Oil
The Jensen family illegally imported 2,881 shipments of crude oil from Mexico into the US over three years, disguised as other substances to evade taxes, with assistance from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), before being apprehended in May 2024.
- What is the immediate impact of the Jensen family's oil smuggling operation?
- The Jensen family's operation resulted in a $300 million profit, achieved by evading US customs duties and taxes. Their actions represent a significant financial loss for the US government and potentially impacted fair market pricing of oil. The operation was facilitated by the CJNG cartel, highlighting the interconnectedness of organized crime and smuggling.
- What are the broader implications of this case, and what actions are being taken?
- This case highlights the challenges in combating transnational organized crime and the significant financial losses incurred due to fuel theft by cartels like the CJNG. The US government is seeking to seize the Jensen family's assets, including properties, vehicles, and businesses, amounting to their $300 million profit, and is pursuing charges of money laundering, smuggling, and financing terrorism.
- How did the Jensen family's operation work, and what role did the CJNG cartel play?
- The Jensens disguised crude oil as lubricants and distillates to pass through US customs. The oil, allegedly stolen from Pemex by the CJNG, was transported to their Arroyo Terminals LLC in Texas. The CJNG's role involved supplying the stolen oil and potentially facilitating the smuggling operation, for which the Jensens paid a fee.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a fairly balanced account of the Jensen family's smuggling operation, detailing their methods, profits, and connections to the CJNG cartel. However, the emphasis on the family's wealth and the description of the patriarch as a "petroleum magnate" might subtly frame them as more powerful and sophisticated than they actually are, potentially influencing reader perception.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual, although terms like "magnate" and "illicit" carry some inherent bias. The description of the CJNG as a "terrorist organization" reflects official US government designation but could be perceived as inflammatory. The term "huachicol fiscal" is explained, which is helpful for international audiences.
Bias by Omission
While the article provides significant detail, it lacks information on the specific points of entry used for smuggling the oil and the exact mechanisms of their cooperation with the CJNG. It also doesn't delve into the legal arguments the Jensens might use in their defense. These omissions limit a completely comprehensive understanding.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Jensen family's illegal activities resulted in a massive $300 million profit, exacerbating economic inequality. Their actions deprived the Mexican government of tax revenue, hindering public services and further widening the gap between the wealthy and the poor. The illegal operation also involved the CJNG cartel, a criminal organization that thrives on exploiting vulnerable populations and undermining legitimate economic activities.