Abdullah Safi-Al-Din is Hezbollah’s envoy to Iran.“Treasury Targets Key Hizballah Financing Network and Iranian Conduit,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 17, 2018, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0388; Josh Meyer, “The secret backstory of how Obama let Hezbollah off the hook,” Politico, 2017, https://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/obama-hezbollah-drug-trafficking-investigation/. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, he acts as a “conduit” between Iran and Hezbollah and has served as the interlocutor between them on financial matters.“Treasury Targets Key Hizballah Financing Network and Iranian Conduit,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 17, 2018, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0388. Safi-Al-Din has also led a global Hezbollah criminal network involved in drug and weapons trafficking and money laundering since at least 2008.Derek Maltz and Emmanuele Ottolenghi, Foreign Policy, “It’s time for the Justice Department to hold Hezbollah accountable,” Chicago Tribune, January 22, 2018, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-wp-hezbollah-comment-e8605ca0-ff8f-11e7-8acf-ad2991367d9d-20180122-story.html; Josh Meyer, “The secret backstory of how Obama let Hezbollah off the hook,” Politico, 2017, https://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/obama-hezbollah-drug-trafficking-investigation/; “DEA and European Authorities Uncover Massive Hizballah Drug and Money Laundering Scheme,” United States Drug Enforcement Administration, February 1, 2016, https://www.dea.gov/divisions/hq/2016/hq020116.shtml Safi-Al-Din was designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on May 17, 2018.“Treasury Targets Key Hizballah Financing Network and Iranian Conduit,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 17, 2018, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0388.

As Hezbollah’s envoy to Iran, Safi-Al-Din worked with Hezbollah financier Mohammed Ibrahim Bazzi and the Central Bank of Iran in 2009 and 2010 to increase banking access between Iran and Lebanon.“Treasury Targets Key Hizballah Financing Network and Iranian Conduit,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 17, 2018, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0388. Specifically, Safi-Al-Din reportedly worked to facilitate access to the Lebanese Canadian Bank for Iranian government officials.Michael Isikoff, “Bank accused of laundering drug money for Hezbollah,” NBC News, February 10, 2011, http://www.nbcnews.com/id/41512092/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/t/bank-accused-laundering-drug-money-hezbollah/#.VQnZhY7F9ks. In 2011, Safi-Al-Din and Bazzi worked to resolve a dispute and reestablish relations between Iran and The Gambia.“Treasury Targets Key Hizballah Financing Network and Iranian Conduit,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, May 17, 2018, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0388. Safi-Al-Din reportedly also oversaw Hezbollah efforts to help Iran procure supplies for its clandestine nuclear and ballistic missile programs.Josh Meyer, “The secret backstory of how Obama let Hezbollah off the hook,” Politico, 2017, https://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/obama-hezbollah-drug-trafficking-investigation/.

Safi-Al-Din has also led a Hezbollah criminal network in conjunction with U.S.-designated Hezbollah operative Adham Tabaja after the death of the network’s founder, Imad Mughniyah, in 2008. This network, known to law enforcement as the Lebanese Hizballah External Security Organization Business Affairs Component (BAC), has been the subject of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation since 2008. Linked to numerous drug cartels, the BAC is comprised of various drug trafficking and money laundering networks in Latin America, Africa, Europe, and the United States. The funds generated from these networks have largely been used to supply weapons to Hezbollah-linked Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria.Josh Meyer, “The secret backstory of how Obama let Hezbollah off the hook,” Politico, 2017, https://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/obama-hezbollah-drug-trafficking-investigation/; “DEA and European Authorities Uncover Massive Hizballah Drug and Money Laundering Scheme,” United States Drug Enforcement Administration, February 1, 2016, https://www.dea.gov/divisions/hq/2016/hq020116.shtml. In February 2016, the DEA announced that it had arrested individuals for their involvement in the BAC, though Safi-Al-Din remains at large.“DEA and European Authorities Uncover Massive Hizballah Drug and Money Laundering Scheme,” United States Drug Enforcement Administration, February 1, 2016, https://www.dea.gov/divisions/hq/2016/hq020116.shtml; Sue Surkes, “Hezbollah drugs-for-guns ring busted in international sting,” Times of Israel (Jerusalem), February 2, 2016, https://www.timesofisrael.com/international-sting-nets-hezbollah-drug-money-couriers/.

Safi-Al-Din is the cousin of Hezbollah’s U.S.-designated Secretary General Hasan Nasrallah. He is also the brother of Hashem Safieddine, the reported head of Hezbollah’s Executive Assembly.Michael Isikoff, “Bank accused of laundering drug money for Hezbollah,” NBC News, February 10, 2011, http://www.nbcnews.com/id/41512092/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/t/bank-accused-laundering-drug-money-hezbollah/#.VQnZhY7F9ks.

Hicham Nmer Khanafer is an “active and influential” Hezbollah fundraiser and recruiter responsible for the group’s activities in The Gambia, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Khanafer, who holds a Lebanese passport, has allegedly hosted weekly meetings for Hezbollah supporters at his home in The Gambia, as well as weekly fundraising and recruiting drives for the group at a local mosque. Khanafer was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in June 2013.“Treasury Sanctions Hizbollah Operatives in West Africa,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, June 11, 2013, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl1980.aspx. Khanafer was one of four Hezbollah fundraisers in West Africa who raised “millions of dollars” for the group, according to David S. Cohen, the then-U.S. Treasury undersecretary in charge of sanctions.Rick Gladstone, “U.S. Blacklists Fund-Raisers for Hezbollah,” New York Times, June 11, 2013, https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/12/world/middleeast/us-hits-hezbollah-with-new-sanctions.html.

Hatem Barakat is a dual Lebanese and Paraguayan citizen and U.S.-designated Hezbollah financier. Though he was born in Lebanon, Hatem became part of a network of Hezbollah financiers in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, along with his brothers, Assad and Hamza Barakat.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx; “Recent OFAC Actions,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/pages/20061206.aspx. He lived in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, since the early 1990s, and made frequent trips to Iquique, Chile, where he collected funds for the group to send to Lebanon and possibly managed a group of suspected Hezbollah members.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx; “Supuesto extremista manejaba cuenta bancaria en Bahamas,” ABC Color (Asunción), April 22, 2005, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/policiales/supuesto-extremista-manejaba-cuenta-bancaria-en-bahamas-826089.html. Hatem also reportedly generated funds for Hezbollah through two businesses based in Iquique for which he was a significant shareholder as of 2003. He also co-owned several businesses with his brothers Assad and Hamza, including the Paraguay-based Casa Apollo, which was designated by the United States in 2004.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx; “Treasury Designates Islamic Extremist, Two Companies Supporting Hizballah in Tri-Border Area,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, June 10, 2004, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/js1720.aspx.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Hatem and Hamza Barakat as terrorists on December 6, 2006. Their brother, Assad, had been designated previously.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx; “Treasury Designates Islamic Extremist, Two Companies Supporting Hizballah in Tri-Border Area,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, June 10, 2004, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/js1720.aspx. Hatem Barakat had been the subject of a 2003 Interpol investigation linking him to Hezbollah operatives who were involved in the July 18, 1994, bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, that killed 86.“Interpol pide datos de hermano de Barakat en caso de AMIA,” ABC Color (Asunción), November 19, 2003, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/policiales/interpol-pide-datos-de-hermano-de-barakat-en-caso-de-amia-731541.html; “Libaneses considerados sospechosos en la región,” ABC Color (Asunción), April 5, 2006, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/politica/libaneses-considerados-sospechosos-en-la-region-895957.html. The year prior to the attack, U.S. Customs had reportedly intercepted a package addressed to Barakat containing identification cards with the names of the Hezbollah operatives. A Paraguayan investigation found further connections between Barakat and the operatives, including possible indications that Barakat had provided them with logistical support using a Bahamas-based bank account.“Supuesto extremista manejaba cuenta bancaria en Bahamas,” ABC Color (Asunción), April 22, 2005, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/policiales/supuesto-extremista-manejaba-cuenta-bancaria-en-bahamas-826089.html. In 2005, Paraguay filed two charges against Hatem Barakat for document falsification in the alleged pursuit of Paraguayan citizenship for his children.“Libaneses considerados sospechosos en la región,” ABC Color (Asunción), April 5, 2006, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/politica/libaneses-considerados-sospechosos-en-la-region-895957.html, “Paraguay’s 2005 Second Quarter Report,” WikiLeaks, July 8, 2005, https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/05ASUNCION870_a.html. He was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison in June 2006.“Chapter 2 – Country Reports: Western Hemisphere Overview,” U.S. Department of State, April 30, 2007, https://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2006/82735.htm.

According to congressional testimony by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Emanuele Ottolenghi, Hatem Barakat listed his place of employment on Facebook as the Infornet Princesa store in Luanda, Angola, as of November 2017.Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemisphere,” Congressional Testimony: Foundation for Defense of Democracies, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf. The store, which sells electronics, children’s toys, and accessories, was still listed on Barakat’s Facebook profile as of April 2018, though his place of residence was listed as Foz do Iguaçu, a city in Brazil on the country’s border with Paraguay.Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemisphere,” Congressional Testimony: Foundation for Defense of Democracies, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf; “Hatem Barakat,” Facebook profile, accessed April 4, 2018, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008314491434&sk=about.

Lionel Nelson Williams was an American citizen who pleaded guilty in August 2017 to attempting to provide material support to ISIS.Scott Daugherty, “Suffolk man who wanted to be a martyr pleads guilty to trying to aid the Islamic State,” Virginian-Pilot, August 16, 2017, https://pilotonline.com/news/local/crime/article_495d7307-8723-5815-914f-af098c88d1fe.html. Williams was reported to authorities in March 2016 for online posts that he made in support of the group. Williams later attempted to send money to individuals that he believed were ISIS fundraisers in order to finance the purchase of weapons and ammunition for the group. He was arrested in December 2016 following comments that he made suggesting that he was planning to carry out a domestic terror attack in the near future.“Affidavit in Support of an Application for a Criminal Complaint,” U.S. Department of Justice, December 22, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/920321/download. Williams was sentenced to 20 years in prison following his guilty plea.Scott Daugherty, “Would-be terrorist from Suffolk sentenced to 20 years for supporting Islamic State,” Virginian-Pilot, December 20, 2017, https://pilotonline.com/news/local/crime/article_06e7fe04-8f4e-5578-8cb4-7f115aa1271d.html.

In 2014, Williams reportedly began sharing articles and videos about ISIS with an acquaintance from high school.Scott Daugherty, “Would-be terrorist from Suffolk sentenced to 20 years for supporting Islamic State,” Virginian-Pilot, December 20, 2017, https://pilotonline.com/news/local/crime/article_06e7fe04-8f4e-5578-8cb4-7f115aa1271d.html. On the day following the December 2015 terror attack in San Bernardino, California, Williams ordered an assault rifle, which he kept on his bedroom dresser. According to reports from neighbors, Williams conducted target practice in a field near his home beginning in early 2016. During this time, Williams was also active on Facebook, where he posted ISIS propaganda videos and lecture videos by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula propagandist Anwar al-Awlaki, as well as a pledge of allegiance to ISIS and comments expressing his support for attacks against security personnel.“Affidavit in Support of an Application for a Criminal Complaint,” U.S. Department of Justice, December 22, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/920321/download.

In March 2016, an acquaintance reported Williams to authorities for his online posts. The following month, an undercover FBI operative made contact with Williams over Facebook, and the two met in person in June. During their meeting, Williams state that he supported attacks on security targets. In September, Williams agreed to contribute money to fund ISIS fighters in Mosul, Iraq. On October 10, 2016, Williams provided his account information to an individual that he believed was an ISIS fundraiser. On November 3, 2016, Williams sent 50 dollars via an electronic transfer service to another individual that he believed was an ISIS facilitator based in the Middle East, though in reality, the money was seized by the U.S. government. In both cases, Williams believed that his money would be used to finance the purchase of weapons and ammunition for ISIS.“Affidavit in Support of an Application for a Criminal Complaint,” U.S. Department of Justice, December 22, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/920321/download.

Williams also spoke of his desire to carry out a martyrdom operation. In December 2016, Williams stated to another individual that “it [would] be soon,” and began discussing his plans to get rid of his money before his intended death. Williams was arrested by FBI agents on December 21 and charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS.“Affidavit in Support of an Application for a Criminal Complaint,” U.S. Department of Justice, December 22, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/920321/download.

On August 16, 2017, Williams pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS.Scott Daugherty, “Suffolk man who wanted to be a martyr pleads guilty to trying to aid the Islamic State,” Virginian-Pilot, August 16, 2017, https://pilotonline.com/news/local/crime/article_495d7307-8723-5815-914f-af098c88d1fe.html. On December 20, 2017, Williams was sentenced to 20 years in prison. According to prosecutors, although he had been in custody for nearly a year at the time, he had not disavowed the radical ideology that had motivated his actions.Scott Daugherty, “Would-be terrorist from Suffolk sentenced to 20 years for supporting Islamic State,” Virginian-Pilot, December 20, 2017, https://pilotonline.com/news/local/crime/article_06e7fe04-8f4e-5578-8cb4-7f115aa1271d.html.

Williams is currently incarcerated at Beckley Federal Correctional Institution in Beaver, West Virginia, with a scheduled release date of March 15, 2034.“LIONEL NELSON WILLIAMS,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 14, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Zaher Jabarin is a senior leader of Hamas, and currently serves as the group’s top financial officer.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/. Jabarin was a convicted terrorist held in Israeli custody until 2011, when he was released as part of a prisoner exchange deal for captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Following his release, he resettled in Turkey and rejoined Hamas as a senior leader.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/. He served as a senior military commander for Hamas, working with deputy Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri to promote terrorist operations in the West Bank.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/; Yoav Zitun, “Turkish law lecturer aided Hamas, deported from Israel,” Ynet News, February 12, 2018, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5109465,00.html. In 2012, Jabarin gave an interview to the Hamas-affiliated Al Quds TV about the group’s efforts to indoctrinate youth to become suicide bombers.“Zaher Jabarin, Hamas military commander, Talks About Indoctrination to Jihad,” YouTube video, posted January 20, 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX4X07o56OA. In August 2017, he represented Hamas in a delegation meeting with members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Tehran.Dov Lieber, “Hamas said to meet with Iranian Revolution Guards in Tehran,” Times of Israel, August 8, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-said-to-meet-with-iranian-revolutionary-guards-in-tehran/.

As the top financial manager for Hamas, Jabarin has recruited individuals to facilitate money laundering operations for the group in Turkey.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/; Yoav Zitun, “Turkish law lecturer aided Hamas, deported from Israel,” Ynet News, February 12, 2018, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5109465,00.html. Two of these individuals, Turkish national Cemil Tekeli and Arab Israeli citizen Durgham Jabarin (no relation), were arrested in Israel in January 2018.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/; Yoav Zitun, “Turkish law lecturer aided Hamas, deported from Israel,” Ynet News, February 12, 2018, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5109465,00.html; Anna Ahronheim, “Arab-Israeli, Turkish citizen arrested for aiding Hamas,” Jerusalem Post, February 12, 2018, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Arab-Israeli-Turkish-citizen-arrested-for-aiding-Hamas-542411. An investigation revealed that Zaher Jabarin had recruited Tekeli to help Hamas members set up businesses, acquire visas, and obtain commercial property in Turkey.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/. One of these Hamas members, another former Israeli prisoner named Salameh Mar’i, became Zaher Jabarin’s chief aide.Yoav Zitun, “Turkish law lecturer aided Hamas, deported from Israel,” Ynet News, February 12, 2018, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5109465,00.html.

Zaher Jabarin and Mar’i both guided the financial activities of Durgham Jabarin, who was arrested three weeks after Tekeli.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/; Yoav Zitun, “Turkish law lecturer aided Hamas, deported from Israel,” Ynet News, February 12, 2018, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5109465,00.html. They reportedly disguised their contact as commercial activity for a Hamas-owned company called IMES.Yoav Zitun, “Turkish law lecturer aided Hamas, deported from Israel,” Ynet News, February 12, 2018, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5109465,00.html. Upon his arrest, authorities found that Durgham Jabarin was planning to transfer 91,000 euros to the West Bank, which were reportedly intended to be used to fund Hamas’s military infrastructure.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/; Yoav Zitun, “Turkish law lecturer aided Hamas, deported from Israel,” Ynet News, February 12, 2018, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5109465,00.html. According to Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, “investigation findings have revealed wide-ranging Hamas activity in money laundering in Turkey on instruction from Zaher Jabarin.”“Hamas Operations in Turkey,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, February 12, 2018, http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/ForeignPolicy/Terrorism/Pages/Hamas-operations-in-Turkey-12-February-20180212-53.aspx.

Bilal Mohsen Wehbe is the U.S.-designated chief representative of Hezbollah in South America, a role he allegedly undertook at the request of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. Wehbe relays information and instructions between Hezbollah’s leadership in Lebanon and Hezbollah operatives in South America. Additionally, Wehbe has also fundraised for Hezbollah and conveyed funds from Brazil to the terrorist group in Lebanon. He has also overseen Hezbollah’s counterintelligence activities in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 9, 2010, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg997.aspx. As of late 2017, he continues to operate freely in Brazil, where he remains a prominent Islamic cultural leader.Emanuelle Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemsiphere,” U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf. 

Wehbe continues his operations in Brazil unhindered, and also remains a prominent Islamic cultural leader in the region. As of November 2017, Brazilian authorities “have not interfered with his activities,” according to testimony by the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies to the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee.Emanuelle Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemsiphere,” U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf.  As of May 2017, Wehbe freely serves as the imam of the Brás Mosque in São Paulo and as a leader of the Centro Islâmico no Brasil (Islamic Center of Brazil).Armando Rivarola, “EE.UU. prepara sanciones por nexos con el terrorismo,” ABC Color (Asunción), May 13, 2017, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/politica/eeuu-prepara-sanciones-por-nexos-con-el-terrorismo-1593266.html. He reportedly regularly participates in prayers, meetings, and educational events sponsored by the latter.Emanuelle Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemsiphere,” Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf.  Wehbe has also appeared as a lecturer in at least one public YouTube video produced by the Centro Islâmico no Brasil’s media wing, Arresala, in 2014.“O Islam Rejeita a Injustiça – Seyyed Bilal Mohsen Wehbi (Mesquita do Brás),” YouTube video, October 24, 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1soz6k6ebqA. He also maintains a Facebook profile active as of January 2018, on which he posts public statements and lecture videos.“بلال وهبي‎ ‎(السيد بلال وهبي)‎,” Facebook profile, accessed January 17, 2018, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001550997469&fref=nf; “محاضرة بعنوان : المغبون والأغبن من الناس .,” Facebook video, May 2, 2017, https://www.facebook.com/100001550997469/videos/vb.100001550997469/1423895684338784/?type=2&theater.

Wehbe, a naturalized Brazilian citizen, has operated in the TBA since at least 2000. A January 2000 Radio Free Europe report stated that Wehbe led the “radical” “pro-Iranian” wing of Hezbollah in the TBA, in opposition to another pro-Hezbollah faction reported to have a more “conciliatory” attitude toward Western society.“Investigan a un libanés por terrorismo en triple frontera,” ABC Color (Asunción), December 14, 2010, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/policiales/investigan-a-un-libanes-por-terrorismo-en-triple-frontera-196723.html; “Iran Report,” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, January 10, 2000, https://web.archive.org/web/20040113090225/http://www.rferl.org/iran-report/2000/01/2-100100.html; “A Global Overview of Narcotics-Funded Terrorist and Other Extremist Groups,” Library of Congress, May 2002, http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.857.8925&rep=rep1&type=pdf. Wehbe has also conducted fundraising activities for the group in the region. Following Hezbollah’s 2006 war with Israel, Wehbe and another individual raised over $500,000 for Hezbollah from Lebanese businessmen in the TBA.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 9, 2010, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg997.aspx. On December 9, 2010, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Wehbe as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 9, 2010, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg997.aspx.

According to the U.S. government, Wehbe previously worked for the office of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose regime is Hezbollah’s primary sponsor.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Financial Network,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 9, 2010, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg997.aspx. Wehbe also accompanied Hassan Khomeini, a grandson of Iran’s first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, on his 2015 tour of Brazil and Paraguay.Armando Rivarola, “Vinculan negocio de HC con financiamiento al terrorismo,” ABC Color (Asunción), May 11, 2017, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/politica/vinculan-negocio-de-hc-con-financiamiento-al-terrorismo-1592474.html. Wehbe and Hassan Khomeini appear in at least one photo together.Emanuelle Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemsiphere,” Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf; Armando Rivarola, “Exportación de la revolución iraní desde la Triple Frontera,” ABC Color (Asunción), May 16, 2017, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/politica/exportacion-de-la-revolucion-irani-desde-la-triple-frontera-1593966.html. Additionally, in February 2017, Wehbe welcomed Arshad Omar Esmaeel, the Iraqi ambassador to Brazil, to the Centro Islâmico no Brasil.Emanuelle Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemsiphere,” Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf. 

Sayf Abdulrah Salem al-Hayashi is a weapons dealer for al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). He has also coordinated and financed AQAP operations and provided financial support to senior members of the group. Additionally, he has previously worked on behalf of ISIS’s affiliate in Yemen.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. He was designated as a terrorist by the United States and six Gulf countries in October 2017.Thomas Joscelyn, “US and Gulf nations sanction 8 jihadists in Yemen,” Long War Journal, October 25, 2017, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/10/us-and-gulf-nations-sanction-8-jihadists-in-yemen.php.

Hayashi was born in January 1978 and is a Yemeni citizen. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, he presently resides in the city of Azzan in Yemen’s Abyan Governorate.“Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20171025.aspx.

In 1994, Hayashi moved from Yemen’s al-Bayda Governorate to the city of Azzan in Abyan Governorate.“Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20171025.aspx; “Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. He remained in Azzan for the next ten years, where he worked as a weapons dealer.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. In 2005, he and a business partner opened a money exchange office next to a store where they sold weapons. They also began dealing drugs and other illicit items and expanded their contraband business to other areas of Yemen, including the cities of Mukalla and Sanaa.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx.

In mid-2015, Hayashi facilitated a weapons deal for ISIS’s Yemeni affiliate, which was established in late 2014.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx.

As of 2016, Hayashi served as a weapons dealer for AQAP, coordinating and financing shipments of weapons for the group’s leaders. He also reportedly traveled across Yemen to meet with senior AQAP leaders and manage their finances. Hayashi also helped finance the group’s operations in the country himself.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx.

On October 25, 2017, the U.S. Department of the Treasury named Hayashi a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for providing support or services to AQAP.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. Several Gulf countries also belonging to the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center, a coalition of nations established in May 2017, also agreed to impose similar sanctions against Hayashi on the same date. These countries included Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.Thomas Joscelyn, “US and Gulf nations sanction 8 jihadists in Yemen,” Long War Journal, October 25, 2017, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/10/us-and-gulf-nations-sanction-8-jihadists-in-yemen.php.

In addition to his illicit business enterprises, Hayashi also owns the branches of the Al Khayr Supermarket in Yemen located in the cities of Azzan and Fuwwah. Due to its affiliation with Hayashi, the Al Khayr Supermarket was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity on October 25, 2017, by all of the same countries that designated Hayashi as a terrorist.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx.

Adil Abduh Fari Uthman al-Dhubhani is a prominent military instructor and commander of an AQAP-affiliated group, and has also fundraised for AQAP. Before his involvement with AQAP, Dhubhani fought with and financed ISIS’s affiliate in Yemen.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. He was designated as a terrorist by the United States and six Gulf countries in October 2017.Thomas Joscelyn, “US and Gulf nations sanction 8 jihadists in Yemen,” Long War Journal, October 25, 2017, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/10/us-and-gulf-nations-sanction-8-jihadists-in-yemen.php.

Dhubhani was born in Yemen’s Taiz Governorate either on July 15, 1963, or in 1971, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. He is a Yemeni citizen, and still resides in Taiz Governorate.“Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20171025.aspx.

Dhubhani became involved with ISIS’s affiliate in Yemen sometime after the group was established in November 2014. In June 2016, Dhubhani fought with ISIS as part of the Sunni resistance movement in Taiz Governorate. He held a leadership position, as he was reported to have “deputies” who also fought with ISIS. Later that year, in October, Dhubhani financed ISIS-associated militants in the governorate in order to “secure continued support” for ISIS’s activities in Taiz, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx.

At some point in 2016 or 2017, Dhubhani switched his allegiance to AQAP. As of early 2017, he was a prominent military instructor with AQAP and reportedly commanded an AQAP-affiliated militant group composed of about 2,000 fighters. Also in 2017, Dhubhani collected funds for AQAP both in Taiz Governorate and from abroad.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx.

On October 25, 2017, the U.S. Treasury Department named Dhubhani a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for acting for or on behalf AQAP as well as for providing support or services to AQAP and ISIS.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. Several Gulf countries also belonging to the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center, a coalition of nations established in May 2017, also agreed to impose similar sanctions against Dhubhani on the same date. These countries included Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.Thomas Joscelyn, “US and Gulf nations sanction 8 jihadists in Yemen,” Long War Journal, October 25, 2017, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/10/us-and-gulf-nations-sanction-8-jihadists-in-yemen.php.

​Nashwan al-Wali al-Yafi’i is a finance official for ISIS’s affiliate group in Yemen.“Saudi Arabia adds 11 Qaeda, ISIS-linked Yemenis on terror list,” Al Arabiya English, October 25, 2017, https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2017/10/25/Saudi-State-Security-lists-two-entities-and-eleven-names-supporting-al-Qaeda-ISIS.html; “Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. Prior, he was a militant and financial officer for ISIS in a district in Yemen.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. He was designated as a terrorist by the United States and six Gulf countries in October 2017.Thomas Joscelyn, “US and Gulf nations sanction 8 jihadists in Yemen,” Long War Journal, Long War Journal, October 25, 2017, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/10/us-and-gulf-nations-sanction-8-jihadists-in-yemen.php.

Yafi’i was born in 1984 and holds Yemeni citizenship.“Saudi Arabia adds 11 Qaeda, ISIS-linked Yemenis on terror list,” Al Arabiya English, October 25, 2017, https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2017/10/25/Saudi-State-Security-lists-two-entities-and-eleven-names-supporting-al-Qaeda-ISIS.html; “Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20171025.aspx. He joined ISIS’s affiliate in Yemen sometime after the group was established in November 2014. He served as a militant and the chief financial officer for the group in the Yafi’i District of Yemen’s Lahij Governorate as of late 2016. At the same time, he was known to associate with a principal ideological leader of ISIS in Yemen. At some point, he directly reported to Khalid Marfadi, a military leader and recruiter for the group. As of early 2017, Yafi’i was known to be part of leadership of ISIS in Yemen as a finance official.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx.

On October 25, 2017, the U.S. Department of the Treasury named Yafi’i a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for acting for or on behalf of ISIS in Yemen.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. Several Gulf countries also belonging to the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center, a coalition of nations established in May 2017, also agreed to impose similar sanctions against Yafi’i on the same date. These countries included Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.Thomas Joscelyn, “US and Gulf nations sanction 8 jihadists in Yemen,” Long War Journal, October 25, 2017, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/10/us-and-gulf-nations-sanction-8-jihadists-in-yemen.php.

Huda bin Abdul Haq was the Indonesian-born operations chief of the al-Qaeda-linked terrorist organization Jemaah Islamiyah (JI). He was known for masterminding the October 2002 Bali bombings, which left 202 people dead and more than 200 others injured.Agence France-Presse, “Mastermind Muklas sentenced to firing squad,” Sydney Morning Herald, October 2, 2003, http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/02/1064988317681.html;
U.S. victims of 2002 Bali bombing remembered as ceremonies held worldwide to mark 10th anniversary,” Daily Mail (London), October 12, 2012, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2216949/U-S-victims-2002-Bali-bombing-remembered-ceremonies-held-worldwide-mark-10th-anniversary.html. Bin Abdul Haq was arrested by Balinese police in December 2002, and found guilty of facilitating the attacks the following October.Kelly McEvers, “The Terrorist’s Wife,” Slate, November 1, 2005, http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/dispatches/features/2005/the_terrorists_wife/visiting_the_space_where_the_sari_club_used_to_be.html;
Agence France-Presse, “Mastermind Muklas sentenced to firing squad,” Sydney Morning Herald, October 2, 2003, http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/02/1064988317681.html. His two younger brothers and co-conspirators, Amrozi bin Nurhasyim and Ali Imron, were arrested in November 2002 and January 2003, respectively.“Profile: Mukhlas,” BBC News, November 8, 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2542863.stm. Bin Abdul Haq, bin Nurasyim, and a third conspirator, Imam Samudra, were executed on November 8, 2008, while the youngest brother, Ali Imron, continues to serve a life sentence in Indonesian prison.Sadie Gray, “Three Bali bombers executed by firing squad at midnight,” Independent (London), November 9, 2008, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/three-bali-bombers-executed-by-firing-squad-at-midnight-1003970.html.

Bin Abdul Haq is believed to have studied at an Islamic boarding school in Solo, Central Java—one of many schools founded and formerly run by JI leader Abu Bakar Bashir.“Profile: Mukhlas,” BBC News, November 8, 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2542863.stm. As with Bashir and other JI militants, bin Abdul Haq’s jihadist activity can be traced back to the Afghan-Soviet war in the 1980s—when bin Abdul Haq traveled to Pakistan to receive combat training before traveling to Afghanistan to fight alongside the jihadists. It was during his time in Afghanistan that bin Abdul Haq claims to have met al-Qaeda co-founder Osama bin Laden.Kelly McEvers, “The Terrorist’s Wife,” Slate, November 1, 2005, http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/dispatches/features/2005/the_terrorists_wife/how_paridah_met_mukhlas.html;
“Profile: Mukhlas,” BBC News, November 8, 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2542863.stm.>

In 1990, bin Abdul Haq left Afghanistan and traveled to Malaysia, where he married the daughter of an associate of JI founders Abu Bakar Bashir and Abdullah Sungkar.Kelly McEvers, “The Terrorist’s Wife,” Slate, November 1, 2005, http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/dispatches/features/2005/the_terrorists_wife/how_paridah_met_mukhlas.html. In Malaysia, bin Abdul Haq established an Islamic boarding school of his own, modeled after Bashir and Sungkar’s in Indonesia. He traveled with other JI extremists throughout Southeast Asia, proselytizing and training aspiring jihadists.Kelly McEvers, “The Terrorist’s Wife,” Slate, November 1, 2005, http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/dispatches/features/2005/the_terrorists_wife/how_paridah_met_mukhlas.html.

In February of 2002, bin Abul Haq met with JI leaders in Thailand to begin planning a largescale attack.“Profile: Mukhlas,” BBC News, November 8, 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2542863.stm;
Kelly McEvers, “The Terrorist’s Wife,” Slate, November 1, 2005, http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/dispatches/features/2005/the_terrorists_wife/how_paridah_met_mukhlas.html. The plotters discussed attacking “soft targets” such as tourist destinations, ultimately deciding to target nightclubs.“Profile: Mukhlas,” BBC News, November 8, 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2542863.stm;
Kelly McEvers, “The Terrorist’s Wife,” Slate, November 1, 2005, http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/dispatches/features/2005/the_terrorists_wife/visiting_the_space_where_the_sari_club_used_to_be.html. In April 2002, bin Abdul Haq returned to Indonesia and convened another meeting with JI leaders, in which the plotters decided to attack Bali, the Hindu-majority island in south Indonesia. Witnesses testified during Abdul Haq’s trial that he had traveled to Bali in May 2002.“Profile: Mukhlas,” BBC News, November 8, 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2542863.stm;
Kelly McEvers, “The Terrorist’s Wife,” Slate, November 1, 2005, http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/dispatches/features/2005/the_terrorists_wife/visiting_the_space_where_the_sari_club_used_to_be.html.

On October 12, 2002, two bombs exploded in Kuta, a popular tourist district in Bali, killing 202 people and injuring more than 200 others.Agence France-Presse, “Mastermind Muklas sentenced to firing squad,” Sydney Morning Herald, October 2, 2003, http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/02/1064988317681.html;
U.S. victims of 2002 Bali bombing remembered as ceremonies held worldwide to mark 10th anniversary,” Daily Mail (London), October 12, 2012, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2216949/U-S-victims-2002-Bali-bombing-remembered-ceremonies-held-worldwide-mark-10th-anniversary.html. The planners had recruited two young Indonesian boys to detonate the bombs, one of whom detonated his suicide vest in Paddy’s Irish Bar while the other set off explosives in a van outside of Sari Club.“Timeline: Bali bomb trials,” BBC News, November 8, 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3126241.stm;
Kelly McEvers, “The Terrorist’s Wife,” Slate, November 1, 2005, http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/dispatches/features/2005/the_terrorists_wife/how_paridah_met_mukhlas.html. A third, smaller bomb was remotely detonated near the U.S. Consulate in Bali, though no one was injured.“Timeline: Bali bomb trials,” BBC News, November 8, 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3126241.stm.

Balinese police traced the van used in the attack to bin Abdul Haq’s brother, bin Nurhasyim, and launched an investigation that led them to the brothers’ hometown in Central Java. Bin Abdul Haq was arrested on December 4, 2003.“Timeline: Bali bomb trials,” BBC News, November 8, 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3126241.stm;
Kelly McEvers, “The Terrorist’s Wife,” Slate, November 1, 2005, http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/dispatches/features/2005/the_terrorists_wife/visiting_the_space_where_the_sari_club_used_to_be.html. During his trial between June and October of 2003, bin Abdul Haq reportedly showed no remorse for the bombings. Instead, he exploited court appearances as a platform to decry the United States, calling U.S. President George W. Bush a “terrorist.”Agence France-Presse, “Mastermind Muklas sentenced to firing squad,” Sydney Morning Herald, October 2, 2003, http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/02/1064988317681.html. Bin Abdul Haq said that the attacks were in retaliation for alleged crimes perpetrated by the United States and other Western countries operating in the Middle East.Sadie Gray, “Three Bali bombers executed by firing squad at midnight,” Independent (London), November 9, 2008, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/three-bali-bombers-executed-by-firing-squad-at-midnight-1003970.html. Bin Abdul Haq testified to being JI’s operations chief and revealed that he had fought alongside bin Laden in Afghanistan in the 1980s.Agence France-Presse, “Mastermind Muklas sentenced to firing squad,” Sydney Morning Herald, October 2, 2003, http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/02/1064988317681.html. According to fellow inmates, bin Abdul Haq continued to preach—and even delivered a sermon via phone to a congregation in Sulawesi, Indonesia—while in detention in the high-security prison complex on Nusakambangan Island.“Profile: Mukhlas,” BBC News, November 8, 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2542863.stm.

On October 2, 2003, bin Abdul Haq was convicted on several charges, including terrorism-related charges and illegal possession of explosives. He received the death penalty, typically carried out by firing squad in Indonesia.Agence France-Presse, “Mastermind Muklas sentenced to firing squad,” Sydney Morning Herald, October 2, 2003, http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/02/1064988317681.html. His brother bin Nurhasyim was convicted and sentenced to death for purchasing explosives and a van used in the bombings, while the youngest brother Imron received a life sentence for helping assemble bombs and driving the van.“Profile: Mukhlas,” BBC News, November 8, 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2542863.stm. From the time of bin Abdul Haq’s sentencing to November 3, 2008, his lawyer filed a series of appeals to challenge the verdict and the method of execution, but they were repeatedly denied.“Timeline: Bali bomb trials,” BBC News, November 8, 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3126241.stm. On November 8, 2008, bin Abul Haq, his brother bin Nurhasyim, and Samudra were executed by firing squad on the prison island of Nusakambangan.Sadie Gray, “Three Bali bombers executed by firing squad at midnight,” Independent (London), November 9, 2008, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/three-bali-bombers-executed-by-firing-squad-at-midnight-1003970.html.