Messaoud Belhriche is a U.S.-designated senior leader and finance head of the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). Reportedly of Algerian origin, Belhriche primarily conducts his operations from Mali. Due to Belhriche’s role in facilitating JNIM’s violence across Mali and the Sahel, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated him as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) on April 23, 2024.“Counter Terrorism Designations; Hostages and Wrongfully Detained U.S. Nationals Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, April 23, 2024, https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240423.

Since its founding in March 2017, Mali-based JNIM has expanded its operations to neighboring countries including Burkina Faso, Niger, and Senegal. As a formal al-Qaeda affiliate, JNIM is dedicated to dismantling regional governments and implementing sharia (Islamic law) in areas where it operates.“Currently listed entities,” Government of Canada, https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/cntr-trrrsm/lstd-ntts/crrnt-lstd-ntts-en.aspx.

Details are limited as to when Belhriche joined JNIM or when he was assigned to his current position as the head of the group’s finances. Details of Belhireche’s responsibilities are also limited. Generally, al-Qaeda financial facilitators raise funds and secure donations to finance the terror network’s operations.“Al Qaeda’s Means and Methods to Raise, Move, and Use Money,” National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, accessed January 9, 2025, https://icct.nl/sites/default/files/import/publication/911_TerrFin_Ch2.pdf.

Mehmet Kaya is a Turkey-based Hamas financier.“U.S. And UK Target Additional Hamas Finance Officials and Representatives,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 13, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1981. The United States government accuses Kaya of coordinating and providing the transfer of tens of millions of dollars for Hamas. The United States sanctioned Kaya as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) on December 13, 2023. “U.S. And UK Target Additional Hamas Finance Officials and Representatives,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 13, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1981.

Kaya was designated as a SDGT along with seven other Hamas supporters and officials who are accused of financing and organizing Hamas activities.“U.S. And UK Target Additional Hamas Finance Officials and Representatives,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 13, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1981. Hamas condemned the sanctions as a collusion between American and British governments with “the Zionist entity,” referring to Israel.“Press Statement,” Hamas Online Telegram Channel, December 13, 2023. Hamas further claimed the designations would “not deter the Hamas movement from continuing its duty to defend the legitimate national rights of our Palestinian people.”“Press Statement,” Hamas Online Telegram Channel, December 13, 2023.

Haroun Mansour Yaqoub Nasser al-Din is a Turkey-based Hamas financier. Due to Al-Din’s activities in funding the terror organization’s activities, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated al-Din as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) on December 13, 2023.“Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 13, 2023, https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20231213.

Al-Din is the head of Hamas’s Jerusalem office and, along with Zaher Jabarin, is one of the key financial operatives for the terror group in Turkey. Accordingly, al-Din is reported to be involved in a finance network that coordinated the transfer of funds from Turkey and Gaza to Hamas’s command center in Hebron, West Bank. The United States also accuses Al-Din of working with U.S.-designated Hamas senior official Saleh al-Arouri to increase instability across the West Bank on behalf of Hamas.“U.S. And UK Target Additional Hamas Finance Officials and Representatives,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 13, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1981.

In December 2023, the United States designated al-Din as an SDGT along with seven other Hamas supporters and officials who are accused of financing and organizing Hamas’s activities.“U.S. And UK Target Additional Hamas Finance Officials and Representatives,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 13, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1981. Hamas condemned the sanctions as a collusion between American and British governments with “the Zionist entity,” referring to Israel.“Press Statement,” Hamas Online Telegram Channel, December 13, 2023. Hamas further claimed the designations would “not deter the Hamas movement from continuing its duty to defend the legitimate national rights of our Palestinian people.”“Press Statement,” Hamas Online Telegram Channel, December 13, 2023.

Mut’i Ma’ruf Balwi is a U.S.-designated businessman and financial facilitator for Hezbollah. Balwi, along with his brothers, own and direct Al-Fadel Exchange, a money exchange business that has facilitated financial transfers for the U.S.-designated Central Bank of Syria and Hezbollah. Given Balwi’s role in coordinating financial transfers for U.S.-designated entities and terror organizations, on May 30, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Balwi as a Specially Designated National (SDN).“Counter Narcotics Designations; Syria Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20230530; “Treasury Sanctions Syrian Financial Facilitators Under the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1508.

Since 2021, the Damascus-headquartered Al-Fadel Exchange, has facilitated millions of dollars in transfers to accounts at the Central Bank of Syria. Those funds were reportedly used to benefit the Syrian government as well as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Hezbollah has also used Balwi’s financial service to transfer money from other countries in the area to Syria. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, both Hezbollah and the Syrian government collected hard currency abroad and used Al-Fadel Exchange to transfer those funds to the Central Bank of Syria.“Treasury Sanctions Syrian Financial Facilitators Under the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1508.

The Central Bank of Syria exclusively authorized the Balwi brothers to work on behalf of Hezbollah. Hezbollah is a key ally of the Syrian regime as well as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF). In mid-2021, Al-Fadel Exchange coordinated payments from the Assad regime to Muhammad Qasim al-Bazzal, a U.S.-designated Hezbollah financial official. The payments were facilitated in exchange for shipments of Iranian oil.“Treasury Sanctions Syrian Financial Facilitators Under the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1508.

On May 30, 2023, Balwi, his brothers Fadel and Muhammad, and Al-Fadel Exchange, were designated as SDNs for their roles in coordinating and managing the financial activities of Hezbollah and engaging in significant transactions with the Syrian government.“Treasury Sanctions Syrian Financial Facilitators Under the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1508.

Muhammad Ma’ruf Balwi is a U.S.-designated businessman and financial facilitator for Hezbollah. Balwi, along with his brothers, own and direct Al-Fadel Exchange, a money exchange business that has facilitated financial transfers for the U.S.-designated Central Bank of Syria and Hezbollah. Given Balwi’s role in coordinating financial transfers for U.S.-designated entities and terror organizations, on May 30, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Balwi as a Specially Designated National (SDN).“Counter Narcotics Designations; Syria Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20230530; “Treasury Sanctions Syrian Financial Facilitators Under the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1508.

Since 2021, the Damascus-headquartered Al-Fadel Exchange, has facilitated millions of dollars in transfers to accounts at the Central Bank of Syria. Those funds were reportedly used to benefit the Syrian government as well as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Hezbollah has also used Balwi’s financial service to transfer money from other countries in the area to Syria. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, both Hezbollah and the Syrian government collected hard currency abroad and used Al-Fadel Exchange to transfer those funds to the Central Bank of Syria.“Treasury Sanctions Syrian Financial Facilitators Under the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1508.

Hezbollah is a key ally of the Syrian regime as well as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF). In mid-2021, Al-Fadel Exchange coordinated payments from the Assad regime to Muhammad Qasim al-Bazzal, a U.S.-designated Hezbollah financial official. The payments were facilitated in exchange for shipments of Iranian oil.“Treasury Sanctions Syrian Financial Facilitators Under the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1508.

The Central Bank of Syria exclusively authorized the Balwi brothers to work on behalf of Hezbollah. Furthermore, in 2022, Balwi, along with his brother Fadel, moved billions of Syrian pounds for the Syrian government.“Treasury Sanctions Syrian Financial Facilitators Under the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1508.

On May 30, 2023, Balwi, his brothers Fadel and Mut’i, and Al-Fadel Exchange, were designated as SDNs for their roles in coordinating and managing the financial activities of Hezbollah and engaging in significant transactions with the Syrian government.“Treasury Sanctions Syrian Financial Facilitators Under the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1508.

Fadel Ma’ruf Balwi is a U.S.-designated businessman and financial facilitator for Hezbollah. Balwi, along with his brothers Muhammad and Mut’i, own and direct Al-Fadel Exchange, a money exchange business that has facilitated financial transfers for the U.S.-designated Central Bank of Syria and Hezbollah. Given Balwi’s role in coordinating financial transfers for U.S.-designated entities and terror organizations, on May 30, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Balwi as a Specially Designated National (SDN).“Counter Narcotics Designations; Syria Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20230530; “Treasury Sanctions Syrian Financial Facilitators Under the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1508.

Since 2021, the Damascus-headquartered Al-Fadel Exchange, has facilitated millions of dollars in transfers to accounts at the Central Bank of Syria. Those funds were reportedly used to benefit the Syrian government as well as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Hezbollah has also used Balwi’s financial service to transfer money from other countries in the area to Syria. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, both Hezbollah and the Syrian government collected hard currency abroad and used Al-Fadel Exchange to transfer those funds to the Central Bank of Syria.“Treasury Sanctions Syrian Financial Facilitators Under the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1508.

Hezbollah is a key ally of the Syrian regime as well as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF). In mid-2021, Al-Fadel Exchange coordinated payments from the Assad regime to Muhammad Qasim al-Bazzal, a U.S.-designated Hezbollah financial official. The payments were facilitated in exchange for shipments of Iranian oil.“Treasury Sanctions Syrian Financial Facilitators Under the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1508.

The Central Bank of Syria exclusively authorized the Balwi brothers to work on behalf of Hezbollah. Furthermore, in 2022, Balwi, along with his brother Muhammad, moved billions of Syrian pounds for the Syrian government.“Treasury Sanctions Syrian Financial Facilitators Under the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1508.

On May 30, 2023, Balwi, his brothers Muhammad and Mut’i, and Al-Fadel Exchange, were designated as SDNs for their roles in coordinating and managing the financial activities of Hezbollah and engaging in significant transactions with the Syrian government.“Treasury Sanctions Syrian Financial Facilitators Under the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 30, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1508.

Victoria Jacobs is an Uzbek native, New York resident who is a supporter of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an internationally designated terror group seeking to unite all Muslims under one Islamic caliphate. Jacobs was indicted by the New York Supreme Court on January 31, 2023, on 11 charges, including providing support for an act of terrorism. Jacobs is the first person to be prosecuted in New York state for using cryptocurrency to provide financial support to terrorist groups in Syria.“D.A. Bragg, NYPD Commissioner Sewell Announce Indictment of Upper East Side Woman for Using Cryptocurrency to Fund Syrian-Based Terrorist Groups; Launder Supporters’ Contributions,” Manhattan District Attorney, January 31, 2023, https://www.manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-nypd-commissioner-sewell-announce-indictment-of-upper-east-side-woman-for-using-cryptocurrency-to-fund-syrian-based-terrorist-groups-launder-supporters-contributions. On April 30, 2024, Jacobs was sentenced by a New York State Supreme Court to 18 years in prison for her activities in financing terrorist groups.“D.A. Bragg: Victoria Jacobs Sentenced To 18 Years In Prison For Using Cryptocurrency To Fund Syrian-Based Terrorist Groups; Launder Supporters’ Contributions,” Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, April 30, 2024, https://manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-victoria-jacobs-sentenced-to-18-years-in-prison-for-using-cryptocurrency-to-fund-syrian-based-terrorist-groups-launder-supporters-contributions/.

A citizen of Uzbekistan, Jacobs was denied asylum in the United States in 2012. She sought to appeal the case in 2014, but the Board of Immigration declined to reopen the case. “Talipov v. Holder,” Casetext, November 19, 2014, https://casetext.com/case/talipov-v-holder. While living in New York City in September 2018, Jacobs reportedly began providing support to HTS. Jacobs sent more than $5,000 to Malhama Tactical, a terrorist training group that fought alongside HTS in Syria. The group also reportedly provides the U.S.-designated HTS with special tactical and military training. Jacobs allegedly laundered funds for Malhama Tactical using cryptocurrency and Western Union and MoneyGram wires from HTS supporters around the globe. The funds, which amounted to $10,661, were then sent to Bitcoin wallets controlled by Malhama Tactical. Jacobs also purchased Google Play gift cards for the organization.“D.A. Bragg, NYPD Commissioner Sewell Announce Indictment of Upper East Side Woman for Using Cryptocurrency to Fund Syrian-Based Terrorist Groups; Launder Supporters’ Contributions,” Manhattan District Attorney, January 31, 2023, https://www.manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-nypd-commissioner-sewell-announce-indictment-of-upper-east-side-woman-for-using-cryptocurrency-to-fund-syrian-based-terrorist-groups-launder-supporters-contributions; Aaron Katersky, “New York City woman charged with financing terrorist groups in Syria through cryptocurrency,” ABC News, February 1, 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/US/new-york-city-woman-charged-financing-terrorist-groups/story?id=96818461.

Jacobs extended her support to an online group that she thought was affiliated with HTS and the al-Qaeda-affiliated Hurras al-Din. In December 2019, Jacobs provided a U.S. Army Improvised Munitions Handbook to the group to assist their bomb-making operations in Syria. By August 2021, Jacobs began purchasing military-style combat knives, metal knuckles, and throwing-stars. A month later in September 2021, Jacobs sought support from online forums as she claimed she was a “brother” that was “behind enemy lines” and that she needed prayers to build the “courage, strength, guidance, and wisdom to carry out certain missions.” She also uploaded a 15-second video that reportedly showed her moving around with a firearm, which security forces believed she sought to use in an unlawful manner.“D.A. Bragg, NYPD Commissioner Sewell Announce Indictment of Upper East Side Woman for Using Cryptocurrency to Fund Syrian-Based Terrorist Groups; Launder Supporters’ Contributions,” Manhattan District Attorney, January 31, 2023, https://www.manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-nypd-commissioner-sewell-announce-indictment-of-upper-east-side-woman-for-using-cryptocurrency-to-fund-syrian-based-terrorist-groups-launder-supporters-contributions.

On March 14, 2022, Jacobs was arrested by Southampton Town Police in New York and charged with third-degree grand larceny. Jacobs reportedly carried out a rental scam in March 2019 in which she offered a prospective tenant a rental home, despite not having the right or privilege to rent the residence. She was subsequently released and was expected to appear at Southampton Town Justice Court on a later date.Lisa Finn, “Woman Charged In Hamptons Rental Scam: Police,” Patch, March 20, 2022, https://patch.com/new-york/southampton/woman-charged-hamptons-rental-scam-police.

Details are limited regarding the proceedings of the Southampton case. However, on January 31, 2023, the New York State Supreme Court indicted Jacobs on 11 counts, including supporting an act of terrorism, money laundering, conspiracy, and weapons possession.Curtis Brodner, “UES woman indicted for using cryptocurrency to fund Syrian terrorist group,” WCBS New Radio 880, January 31, 2023, https://www.audacy.com/wcbs880/news/local/ues-woman-indicted-for-using-cryptocurrency-to-fund-syrian-terrorist-group; Aaron Katersky, “New York City woman charged with financing terrorist groups in Syria through cryptocurrency,” ABC News, February 1, 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/US/new-york-city-woman-charged-financing-terrorist-groups/story?id=96818461; “D.A. Bragg, NYPD Commissioner Sewell Announce Indictment of Upper East Side Woman for Using Cryptocurrency to Fund Syrian-Based Terrorist Groups; Launder Supporters’ Contributions,” Manhattan District Attorney, January 31, 2023, https://www.manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-nypd-commissioner-sewell-announce-indictment-of-upper-east-side-woman-for-using-cryptocurrency-to-fund-syrian-based-terrorist-groups-launder-supporters-contributions. Jacobs pleaded not guilty to the charges.Katersky, “New York City woman charged with financing terrorist groups in Syria through cryptocurrency,” ABC News, February 1, 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/US/new-york-city-woman-charged-financing-terrorist-groups/story?id=96818461. Opening statements for the trial began on January 16, 2024, and the trial lasted about two weeks.Jonah E. Bromwich, “Manhattan Woman Convicted of Using Crypto to Fund Terror Groups in Syria,” New York Times, February 1, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/nyregion/nyc-crypto-syria-terrorism.html. On February 1, 2024, a jury at the New York State Supreme Court found Jacobs guilty of using cryptocurrency to send financial support to terror groups in Syria.Axel Turcios, “NYC woman convicted of using bitcoins to fund terrorism in Syria,” WMAR (ABC News Baltimore), February 2, 2024, https://www.wmar2news.com/nyc-woman-convicted-of-using-bitcoins-to-fund-terrorism-in-syria. Jacobs’s sentencing is scheduled for April 3. Jonah E. Bromwich, “Manhattan Woman Convicted of Using Crypto to Fund Terror Groups in Syria,” New York Times, February 1, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/nyregion/nyc-crypto-syria-terrorism.html. On April 30, the New York State Supreme Court sentenced Jacobs to 18 years in prison.“D.A. Bragg: Victoria Jacobs Sentenced To 18 Years In Prison For Using Cryptocurrency To Fund Syrian-Based Terrorist Groups; Launder Supporters’ Contributions,” Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, April 30, 2024, https://manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-victoria-jacobs-sentenced-to-18-years-in-prison-for-using-cryptocurrency-to-fund-syrian-based-terrorist-groups-launder-supporters-contributions/.

Joseph Ilya Haidamous is a U.S.-designated Lebanese businessman who is affiliated with Hezbollah. Haidamous is reportedly a senior employee of Ahmad Abdallah, another U.S.-designated Hezbollah financier. On May 19, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Haidamous as an SDN for having materially assisted or supported Hezbollah.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network’s Abuse of the Business Sector,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 19, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0796.

Haidamous served as the chief financial officer for United General Holding, a holding company that serviced multiple companies owned or controlled by Abdallah. Given his role, Haidamous was critical to managing the finances for Abdallah’s companies. Haidamous also reportedly helped Abdallah establish and register new business ventures throughout the Middle East that would ultimately benefit Hezbollah. Haidamous did not only work for Abdallah but served as an intermediary for financial transactions between Abdallah and senior Hezbollah officials. Following those transactions, Haidamous provided financial reports to the Hezbollah officials.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network’s Abuse of the Business Sector,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 19, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0796.

Due to Haidamous’s role in supporting the financial network of Hezbollah, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Haidamous as an SDN on May 19, 2022.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network’s Abuse of the Business Sector,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 19, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0796.

Ali Reda Abdallah is a U.S.-designated Lebanese businessman and financial facilitator for Hezbollah. Abdallah, along with his brother Ahmad, coordinated closely to advance investment projects in Iraq on behalf of Hezbollah. Given Abdallah’s ongoing involvement with Hezbollah, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Abdallah as Specially Designated National (SDN) on May 19, 2022. “Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network’s Abuse of the Business Sector,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 19, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0796.

Abdallah has been active with Hezbollah since at least the 1990s, when he was expelled from Sweden due to his affiliation with the terror group and for plotting an attack on the Israeli embassy in Stockholm. “Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network’s Abuse of the Business Sector,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 19, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0796.

Since then, Abdallah has been associated with several Hezbollah-linked companies headed by his brother, Ahmad. Among those companies were the United International Exhibition Company, United General Contracting, Al Moukhtar Products Co. SARL, and United General Holding. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, when accounts were opened for Ahmad Abdallah’s businesses, Abdallah was one of the officials given power of attorney for several business accounts. “Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network’s Abuse of the Business Sector,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 19, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0796.

In 2020, the Abdallah brothers coordinated to expand their business ventures in Iraq on behalf of Hezbollah. Among one of their new projects was an Iraqi bottling plant that they bought in March 2020. U.S. government sources have claimed the purchase was an effort by Hezbollah to set up intelligence and commercial fronts in Iraq that would then be used as satellite locations for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or Hezbollah. However, local law enforcement carried out a raid on the bottling plant, and it was discovered that Ahmad Abdallah was altering labels on medications brought in from Lebanon that were then sold on the black market to pharmacies. “Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network’s Abuse of the Business Sector,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 19, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0796.

Due to Abdallah’s extensive history working with Hezbollah, on May 19, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Abdallah as an SDN for acting in support of Hezbollah. “Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network’s Abuse of the Business Sector,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 19, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0796.

Ahmad Jalal Reda Abdallah is a U.S.-designated Lebanese businessman and financial facilitator for Hezbollah. Given that Abdallah has supported Hezbollah for decades, on May 19, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Abdallah as a Specially Designated National (SDN) for acting on the behalf of Hezbollah.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network’s Abuse of the Business Sector,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 19, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0796.

Abdallah’s extensive working history with Hezbollah spans across different countries. The profits generated from Abdallah’s various business ventures have been transferred to Hezbollah. According to the Treasury Department, Abdallah coordinates business activities and budgets with sanctioned senior Hezbollah financial facilitators, including Muhammad Qasir and Muhammad Qasim al-Bazal. Qasir has ties to Iran and has facilitated financial disbursements from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF) to Hezbollah. “Treasury Targets Iran’s Central Bank Governor and an Iraqi Bank Moving Millions of Dollars for IRGC-Qods Force,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 15, 2018, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0385. Ahmad cooperates not only with Hezbollah, but also the U.S. sanctioned Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Reportedly, the IRGC facilitates financial transfers for Abdallah’s businesses, many of which are based in Iraq.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network’s Abuse of the Business Sector,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 19, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0796.

U.S. government sources believe Abdallah’s actions demonstrate the ways in which Hezbollah uses the cover of legitimate businesses to generate revenue to secretly fund the group and its terrorist activities. The businesses set up by Abdallah include medical equipment factories, insurance companies, real estate, and construction companies. Additionally, Abdallah delegated his senior employees and relatives to establish business front throughout the Middle East on behalf of Hezbollah. At one point, Abdallah redirected his business plans towards the food sector and set up the now U.S.-designated Al Moukhtar Products Co. SARL, as he believed the sector would not be a target for sanctions.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network’s Abuse of the Business Sector,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 19, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0796.

Abdallah has also brokered meetings with senior businessmen and politicians in Lebanon on behalf of Hezbollah. He leveraged his skills in 2015, when he helped Hezbollah recover Adham Tabaja’s frozen funds after he was designated by the United States.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network’s Abuse of the Business Sector,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 19, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0796.

In 2020, Abdallah, along with his brother Ali, coordinated to expand their business ventures in Iraq on behalf of Hezbollah. Among one of their new projects was an Iraqi bottling plant that they bought in March 2020. U.S. officials have contended that the purchase was an effort by Hezbollah to set up intelligence and commercial fronts in Iraq that would then be used as satellite locations for the IRGC or Hezbollah. However, local law enforcement carried out a raid on the bottling plant, and it was discovered that Abdallah was altering labels on medications brought in from Lebanon that were then sold on the black market to pharmacies.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network’s Abuse of the Business Sector,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 19, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0796.

Given Abdallah’s extensive history working with Hezbollah, on May 19, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Abdallah as an SDN for acting on behalf of Hezbollah.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network’s Abuse of the Business Sector,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 19, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0796.