The United States has sanctioned a global illicit finance network supporting the Iran-backed Houthi group, in coordination with financier Sa’id al-Jamal. The network, comprising financial facilitators, procurement operatives, and companies, has procured millions of dollars' worth of commodities from Russia, including weapons, dual-use materials, and stolen Ukrainian grain.
The designations, made pursuant to the counterterrorism authority Executive Order 13224, as amended, include two Russia-based Afghan brothers who assisted al-Jamal in orchestrating shipments of stolen Ukrainian grain from Crimea to Yemen. These individuals have been designated for their role in facilitating the Houthi network's illicit activities.
In addition to sanctions on financial facilitators and procurement operatives, the United States has also identified eight digital asset wallets used by the Houthis to transfer funds associated with the group’s activities. This action aims to counter the Houthis' efforts to procure weapons, dual-use materials, and stolen goods.
The US is committed to eliminating the Iran-backed Houthi group's capabilities and resources to conduct attacks on its servicemembers and naval assets, while ending their ability to threaten the security of the United States and its partners. This designation builds on previous actions targeting Houthi weapons procurement operatives and suppliers.
For more information on today’s designation, please visit the Office of Foreign Assets Control webpage.