Sheinbaum responds to the US after accusations of money laundering against banks: "There is no evidence."

On June 25, the U.S. Treasury Department raised the alarm after naming three Mexican financial institutions—Vector Casa de Bolsa, Intercam Banco, and CIBanco—for alleged links to money laundering and organized crime. The reaction was swift. At her morning press conference on June 26, President Claudia Sheinbaum responded: “There is no evidence, and without evidence, there is no crime,” she declared.

The president, standing firm from the National Palace, emphasized that the Mexican government acts based on evidence, not on assumptions or foreign pressure. Her message was clear: "Mexico is respected."

According to Sheinbaum, the Treasury Department shared information about certain transfers between legally incorporated Chinese companies and the aforementioned Mexican financial institutions. However, this information does not constitute any evidence of illicit activities, according to a review by the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) and the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV).

In total, transactions carried out by more than 300 Mexican companies with Chinese firms through ten national institutions were detected. According to the Mexican government, this is due to the high volume of bilateral trade, which amounts to $139 billion annually, and does not in itself constitute money laundering.

The CNBV has initiated a formal review of the targeted institutions. So far, the findings have resulted in administrative sanctions for regulatory irregularities, with no evidence of financial crimes detected.

The fines imposed total 134 million pesos, the result of procedures within the Mexican legal framework. This process, according to Sheinbaum, demonstrates the autonomy and effectiveness of Mexican institutions.

During her speech, the president underscored a forceful message: "Mexico is not subordinate to anyone. We are free, sovereign, and independent." She rejected any unequal treatment by the U.S. and recalled other similar incidents, such as that of General Salvador Cienfuegos, who was detained without evidence and later released.

The president reiterated her willingness to cooperate, but not to obey without justification:

"If there's evidence, we act. But if there isn't, we can't accept baseless accusations," he stated firmly.

While this episode was unfolding, the Senate approved a key financial reform: new legislation to prevent illicit funds from contaminating the financial system.

With 74 votes in favor, 13 against, and 19 abstentions, an initiative amending the Federal Law for the Prevention and Identification of Operations with Illicit Proceeds and the Federal Penal Code was approved. The objective is clear: to close legal loopholes and strengthen inter-institutional cooperation.

Changes include:

• New vulnerable activities such as real estate development and virtual assets.
• Clearer obligations for notaries and public brokers.
• Key definitions such as “controlling beneficial owner” and “politically exposed person.”

President Sheinbaum made it clear that Mexico will maintain its policy of bilateral cooperation, but on equal terms and based on mutual respect. The demand for evidence is not only an institutional defense, but a reaffirmation of sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the UIF and the CNBV will continue their corresponding investigations. At the same time, Congress is making progress in strengthening the legal framework to combat illicit operations, reinforcing the message that Mexico will not tolerate impunity, regardless of its source.