The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has implemented sanctions against 16 entities and individuals involved in an extensive business network operating in the Horn of Africa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Cyprus.
This network has been identified as raising and laundering funds for al-Shabaab, a terrorist group affiliated with al-Qaeda. The sanctions are imposed pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, targeting terrorist groups and their enablers.
Key Individuals and Entities Designated:
- Faysal Yusuf Dini: A Kenyan al-Shabaab financial facilitator leveraging Haleel Group for fund transfers.
- Mohamed Jumale Ali Awale: Collaborating with Dini on investment projects and money laundering activities.
- Crown Bus Services (Kenya): Supported al-Shabaab’s logistical operations.
- Hassan Abdirahman Mahamed (Finland): Utilizing money transfer businesses to support al-Shabaab’s money laundering operations.
- Qemat Al Najah General Trading (UAE): An important money laundering node in the network.
- Abdikarin Farah Mohamed (Somalia): A key member of the money laundering network.
- Farhan Hussein Hayder (Kenya): Directs Haleel Group’s branches in Kenya, Uganda, Cyprus, and the UAE.
- Abdulkadir Omar Abdullahi (Uganda): Associated with Haleel Group’s Uganda branch, managing and transferring funds for al-Shabaab.
- Omar Sheikh Ali Hilowle (Dubai): Involved in managing funds for al-Shabaab through Haleel Group.
- Haleel Commodities L.L.C. (Dubai): A key financial facilitator for al-Shabaab, with branches and subsidiaries in multiple countries.
- Haleel Finance LTD, Haleel Holdings, and Haleel LTD (Cyprus): Designated for being owned, controlled, or directed by Haleel Commodities L.L.C.
- Haleel Commodities Limited (Kenya) and Crown Bus Services: Designated for being owned, controlled, or directed by Mohamed Jumale Ali Awale.
The designated individuals and entities are part of a network raising and laundering millions of dollars for al-Shabaab. Dubai-based Haleel Commodities L.L.C. serves as a key financial facilitator, with subsidiaries in Cyprus, Kenya, Uganda, and Somalia. UAE-based Qemat Al Najah General Trading supports money laundering for al-Shabaab in connection with Haleel Group.
Al-Shabaab generates over $100 million annually through extortion and financial support from affiliated businesses. The threat extends beyond Somalia, as al-Shabaab’s funds contribute to al-Qaeda-supported groups worldwide, fueling global ambitions to undermine governance and sow discord.
Sanctions Implications:
As a result of the U.S. action, all property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities, along with entities owned 50% or more by them, must be blocked and reported to OFAC. Engaging in certain transactions with the designated individuals entails the risk of secondary sanctions under E.O. 13224. OFAC can impose conditions on foreign financial institutions involved in significant transactions on behalf of designated persons.
The sanctions demonstrate the U.S. commitment to collaborating with regional partners, particularly Somalia, Kenya, and other affected countries in the Horn of Africa. By supporting the economic offensive against al-Shabaab, the U.S. aims to bolster regional counterterrorism efforts, showcasing a multifaceted approach to degrade the terrorist group.
The U.S. sanctions aim to disrupt al-Shabaab’s abuse of the regional financial system, supporting the Somali government’s economic offensive against the terrorist group. By targeting the financial networks that fund terrorism, the U.S. emphasizes its commitment to countering terrorism financing and promoting international efforts to combat global terrorism.
The sanctions against entities supporting al-Shabaab mark a strategic move in the global fight against terrorism. By disrupting critical financial nodes, the U.S. aims to weaken al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities, support regional counterterrorism efforts, and contribute to a broader international campaign against terrorism financing. The significance lies not only in punitive measures but in fostering positive behavioral change and strengthening global financial systems against illicit activities.
