The United States has designated a Lebanon-based sanctions evasion network that supports Hizballah's finance team, which oversees commercial projects and oil smuggling networks generating revenue for the militant group. The action is part of the country's ongoing efforts to disrupt funding schemes for Hizballah's terrorist activities and Iran's destabilizing influence in the region.
According to a press statement from the Department Spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, the network, which includes five individuals and three associated companies, has been linked to prominent Hizballah officials. The designation is being made pursuant to counterterrorism authority Executive Order 13224, as amended.
The action supports the whole-of-government policy of maximum pressure on Iran and its terrorist proxies, including Hizballah, as outlined in National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 issued on February 4. The United States is committed to supporting Lebanon by exposing and disrupting funding schemes for Hizballah's terrorist activities and Iran's destabilizing influence in the region.
The Rewards for Justice program, administered by the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service, is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the disruption of the financial mechanisms of Hizballah. This reward offer is available on the Rewards For Justice website.
The designation marks the latest effort by the United States to counter Hizballah's activities in Lebanon and beyond. The country has previously designated Hizballah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
Lebanon and Iran are among the countries affected by this designation, which aims to disrupt the financial networks supporting Hizballah's operations. The United States will continue using its tools and resources to counter Hizballah's threat to regional stability and security until the group no longer poses a danger to the Lebanese people.
In recent years, the United States has taken numerous steps to combat Hizballah's activities, including imposing sanctions and designating individuals and entities responsible for supporting the group. Today's action is another key part of this effort, aimed at disrupting funding schemes and ultimately undermining Hizballah's ability to operate effectively.