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IMG Academy Fined $1.7M for Accepting Students Tied to Mexican Drug Cartel
Florida sports school penalized for enrolling children of sanctioned cartel leaders
Published on Feb. 19, 2026
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The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has ordered IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida to pay a $1.7 million fine for accepting students with ties to a sanctioned Mexican drug cartel. Between 2018 and 2022, IMG enrolled and received tuition payments from the children of two individuals designated as Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) for providing financial support to the cartel.
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of thorough vetting and sanctions compliance, especially at elite academic and athletic institutions that may be attractive to individuals with illicit connections. The fine underscores the legal and reputational risks schools face if they fail to properly screen students and their families.
The details
According to OFAC, IMG Academy entered into yearly tuition agreements totaling 83 transactions to enroll the two children of the sanctioned SDN individuals. Tuition payments ranged from $47,026 to $102,235 per academic year. By accepting these students, IMG allowed the cartel-linked individuals to gain access to the U.S. financial system and obtain elite training services.
- Between 2018 and 2022, IMG Academy enrolled the children of the sanctioned individuals.
- On February 17, 2026, OFAC ordered IMG Academy to pay a $1.7 million fine for the violations.
The players
IMG Academy
A private sports academy and boarding school located in Bradenton, Florida that offers athletic training and academic programs.
Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
A financial intelligence and enforcement agency of the U.S. Department of the Treasury responsible for administering and enforcing economic and trade sanctions.
SDN 1 and SDN 2
Two individuals designated as Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) by OFAC for providing financial support and services to a sanctioned Mexican drug trafficking organization.
What’s next
After learning of the violations, IMG Academy has implemented an OFAC sanctions compliance program and hired a Chief Legal Officer to oversee the program's implementation.
The takeaway
This case underscores the critical importance of thorough vetting and sanctions compliance, especially at prestigious institutions that may be attractive to individuals with illicit connections. Schools must be vigilant in screening students and their families to avoid enabling access to the U.S. financial system and elite services by those linked to sanctioned entities.
