The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned a network of individuals and entities involved in money laundering for Al-Shabaab, a terrorist group affiliated with Al-Qa’ida, spanning across the Horn of Africa, the UAE, and Cyprus.
These actions aim to support the Somali government’s campaign against Al-Shabaab and disrupt the group’s financial system.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced sanctions on a network of individuals and entities engaged in money laundering activities for Al-Shabaab, a terrorist group operating in the Horn of Africa. The network, which spans across the Horn of Africa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Cyprus, includes 16 entities and individuals identified as key financial facilitators for Al-Shabaab.
Among the entities targeted is Dubai-based Haleel Commodities L.L.C., also known as Haleel Group, which serves as a significant financial facilitator for the network. The group operates through branches and subsidiaries in Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, and Cyprus, facilitating the generation and laundering of funds for Al-Shabaab. Additionally, UAE-based entity Qemat Al Najah General Trading has been identified as another important node in this money laundering network.
These sanctions are part of broader efforts to support the Somali government’s campaign against Al-Shabaab and disrupt the group’s financial system. Al-Shabaab is known for extorting local businesses and individuals, generating significant revenue to support its operations, and contributing to Al-Qa’ida’s global activities.