The prestigious IMG Academy in the U.S. has been fined for violations related to accepting payments for the education of children linked to Mexican drug cartels.
The IMG Academy, an elite sports academy in the United States, has agreed to pay a fine of $1.72 million to the U.S. Department of the Treasury after a federal investigation revealed that it accepted payments related to the education of children of individuals allegedly connected to Mexican drug cartels. This investigation was initiated due to the potential violations of U.S. sanctions laws, highlighting the academy's involvement in unlawfully processed payments.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) stated that the fines were part of a civil settlement that arose from the detection of financial transfers breaching federal sanctions programs, which restrict dealings with entities and individuals associated with drug trafficking and other criminal activities. The payments in question were linked to tuition, housing, and other educational expenses for the children of these cartel associates from 2019 to 2025.
This case reflects broader concerns about the influence of drug money in educational institutions and raises questions about the financial practices of elite academies like IMG. The repercussions of the fine may prompt increased scrutiny of financial operations within elite schools, particularly regarding their compliance with federal regulations regarding sanctioned individuals. The scandal not only impacts IMG Academy's reputation but also underscores the need for stricter enforcement of laws designed to prevent illicit financial flows in the education sector.
