An international money laundering scheme involving a Specially Designated Global Terrorist was unveiled in a federal court in New York. Mohammed Ibrahim Bazzi pleaded guilty to conducting unlawful transactions with a terrorist organization, Hezbollah, and agreed to forfeit the nearly $830,000 involved. Bazzi faces a maximum of 20 years in prison upon sentencing.
US Attorney Breon Peace highlighted the importance of enforcing sanctions against terrorism financiers. Collaboration with law enforcement agencies and foreign counterparts led to Bazzi’s guilty plea. The DEA was instrumental in targeting individuals who provide financial support to terrorist organizations.
Bazzi’s designation as a terrorist financier by the US Treasury brought about the investigation. Recorded communications revealed his illegal activities to transfer funds out of the US covertly. Methods to conceal their actions included fictitious transactions in China, Lebanon, and Kuwait.
Bazzi’s arrest in Romania in 2023 was a result of collaborative efforts as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation. The case is being prosecuted by a team from the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section, with assistance from various divisions within the Justice Department.
The verdict serves as a testament to the determination to combat terrorism financing and uphold sanctions against individuals like Bazzi.
[ad_2]
Source link