The U.S. Treasury Department on Friday sanctioned 16 individuals and entities from multiple countries, including a Polish citizen, for supporting Hezbollah.
U.S. Sanctions Network Linked to Hezbollah
The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against 16 individuals and entities from Lebanon, Syria, Poland, Slovenia, Qatar, and Canada, alleging they form a network led by Alaa Hamieh, with ties to Hezbollah. The department claims the network has facilitated the misappropriation of over $100 million since 2020.
U.S. authorities allege Hamieh, formerly a vice president of Lebanon’s Investment Development Authority, diverted funds from a trade agreement with Iraq intended for Lebanon’s reconstruction to enrich himself and Hezbollah.
Polish Citizen’s Involvement
Among those sanctioned is Daniel Hamieh (Hamie), a Polish citizen and nephew of Alaa Hamieh. Both are listed as directors of Calllync sp. z o.o., a Warsaw-based company reportedly involved in software, trade, and telecommunications.
The U.S. alleges Calllync sp. z o.o. transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to a firm linked to groups financing Hezbollah.
Impact of the Sanctions
The U.S. Treasury Department stated that all property and interests in property of the sanctioned individuals located in the United States or under U.S. control are blocked and must be reported to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
OFAC regulations prohibit transactions by U.S. persons or within the U.S. (or transit through it) involving any property or interests in property of blocked persons. Violations may result in civil or criminal penalties for U.S. citizens and foreign nationals.
Hezbollah and Regional Tensions
The sanctions come amid ongoing Hezbollah attacks on Israel, supported by Iran. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, “Iran is the head of the snake when it comes to global terrorism, and its partners, such as Hezbollah, are carrying out Tehran’s mission to sow chaos and destruction beyond its borders.”
Officials added that Hezbollah continues to divert funds legally belonging to the Lebanese people to finance its terrorist operations.
International Recognition of Hezbollah as a Terrorist Organization
Hezbollah is recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States, Israel, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The European Union recognizes only the military wing of the group as a terrorist organization.
