A former Lebanese diplomat, Mohammad Ibrahim Bazzi, has pleaded guilty to evading U.S. financial sanctions for his involvement with the terrorist group Hezbollah. Bazzi admitted to illegally moving funds from the U.S. to Lebanon, in violation of sanctions against him. Facing up to 20 years in prison, deportation, and forfeiture of over $800,000, Bazzi’s sentencing date is yet to be determined.
In May 2018, Bazzi was designated a global terrorist with a $10 million reward for his capture. The U.S. Treasury Department stated that Bazzi has provided hefty financial support to Hezbollah through various business ventures in several countries.
Arrested in Romania and extradited to the U.S., Bazzi worked with an accomplice, Talal Chahine, to launder money through fake purchases and loans. Despite his criminal activities, Bazzi held an honorary consul position in Lebanon granted by Gambia, leveraging the role for personal gains.
[ad_2]
Source link