US Sanctions Ortega-Murillo Linked Gold Sector
Summary
The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions on two sons of Ortega and Murillo, five additional individuals, and seven companies involved in Nicaragua's gold sector. The sanctions target the regime's network of front companies and intermediaries used to generate foreign currency, launder sanctioned assets, and consolidate dynastic control. The action was taken under Executive Order 13851, as amended by E.O. 14088.
What changed
The State Department imposed sanctions on seven companies and seven individuals linked to the Ortega-Murillo regime's control of Nicaragua's gold sector. The designations target entities and individuals involved in restructuring the gold sector since 2020 into a network designed to generate foreign currency, launder sanctioned assets, and reinforce political control for the first family's benefit. The regime also used these structures to seize property owned by U.S. citizens.
U.S. persons and companies doing business with the designated individuals and entities must comply with OFAC sanctions regulations and block any property or interests in property of the designated parties. The designations are effective immediately upon publication. Parties should review Treasury Department guidance and ensure no prohibited transactions or dealings with the designated parties occur.
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Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Home Office of the Spokesperson Press Releases … Sanctioning the Ortega-Murillo Dictatorship-Linked Gold Sector hide
Sanctioning the Ortega-Murillo Dictatorship-Linked Gold Sector
Press Statement
Thomas "Tommy" Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson
April 16, 2026
The United States is imposing sanctions on two of Ortega and Murillo’s sons, five other individuals, and seven companies that have enabled the dictatorship’s corrupt control over Nicaragua’s gold sector, seizure of property owned by U.S. citizens, and proliferation of its dynastic rule.
Since 2020, the dictatorship has restructured the gold sector into a complex network of front companies and intermediaries designed to generate foreign currency, launder sanctioned assets, and reinforce political control for their own benefit. The dictatorship also has continually consolidated its illegitimate power into the first family’s hands, anointing their children as dictatorship officials to carry out their dynastic objectives.
The Trump Administration will continue to use all diplomatic and economic tools to defend U.S. interests and amplify the Nicaraguan people’s demands for freedom, unalienable rights, and economic security. We call on the dictatorship to respect private property, unconditionally release all unjustly detained prisoners, and restore sound governance.
Today’s action is being taken pursuant to the authorities under Executive Order (E.O.) 13851, as amended by E.O 14088. For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release.
Tags
Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Corruption Crime, Human Trafficking, and Illicit Activities Department of the Treasury Division for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions Foreign Policy Human Rights Nicaragua Office of the Spokesperson Sanctions and Designations
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