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The primary effect of these sanctions appears to be pushing illicit money further underground. While the immediate goal is to cut off financial resources and hamper operations, the reality is that the flow of money doesn't simply stop—it shifts. Criminal organizations are adept at adapting, and evidence suggests that these measures could incentivize the growth of more clandestine financial channels.
Shell companies, foreign assets, and increasingly sophisticated cryptocurrency transactions are likely to become more prevalent as the cartel and its factions seek alternative means to launder money and move funds securely across borders. This underground economy complicates tracking efforts and makes enforcement more challenging for authorities.