Canada Fulfills Its Promise to the US Seven Cartels and Gangs Designated as Terrorist Entities

"This morning, we are announcing that the Government of Canada is designating seven transnational criminal organizations as terrorist entities under Canada’s Criminal Code. These entities are organized crime groups that instill fear in local populations through the use of extreme violence and are known for drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal arms trafficking.

The designation of an entity under the Criminal Code follows a rigorous and ongoing process that must meet a legal threshold. These designations are based on evidence, intelligence, and the law. All seven transnational criminal organizations clearly meet this threshold.

Once an entity is designated, it is considered a terrorist group under the Criminal Code. This prohibits certain actions related to terrorist groups, including those concerning terrorist financing, travel, and recruitment. It is prohibited for any person in Canada, as well as any Canadian citizen abroad, to knowingly deal with the property of a terrorist group.

To avoid criminal liability, banks and brokerage firms will freeze these entities’ assets, which may then be subject to seizure, restraint, or forfeiture. It is also a criminal offense to collect property or provide financial or other related services, knowing that they will benefit or be used by a terrorist group.

We continue to review and assess the potential designation of additional transnational criminal organizations that may pose a threat to people in Canada, Canadian citizens abroad, and Canada’s national security. If the required threshold is met, we will not hesitate to designate them as terrorist entities."