The United States has taken action against a financial network that funneled more than $100 million to Hezbollah. The US Department of the Treasury sanctioned 16 individuals and entities connected to Hezbollah financier Alaa Hassan Hamieh. These entities were involved in money laundering and fundraising for the group across multiple countries.
The network, spanning Lebanon, Syria, Poland, Slovenia, Qatar, and Canada, has been engaged in various economic projects. It is believed to have facilitated fund diversion since 2020. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Iran plays a significant role in global terrorism, with Hezbollah executing Tehran’s agenda of spreading chaos beyond borders.
Under Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorist organizations and their financial supporters, the sanctions were imposed. Hezbollah has been recognized by the US as a Foreign Terrorist Organization since 1997. The group is known for funding both its militant wing and social programs through various revenue generation and sanctions evasion strategies.
Hamieh, a former vice president of Lebanon’s Investment Development Authority, is accused of misusing his position in a trade agreement between Iraq and Lebanon for Hezbollah-related projects. The sanctions also mention individuals like Bahaa Addin Hashem and Mohamad Jamil Salami, associated with sanctions evasion schemes. Raoof Fadel, based in Qatar and linked to a logistics company supporting Hezbollah’s Canadian operations, was also designated.
Entities operating under the “Seven Seas” and “Calllync” brands in Lebanon, Europe, and North America were part of the sanctions list. These companies were utilized for procurement, financial transactions, and money laundering in support of Hezbollah’s activities. As a result of the sanctions, all assets and interests of the designated individuals and entities within US jurisdiction are frozen, with US persons prohibited from transactions with them.
