Latest news with #terroristfinancing
The Independent
4 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
US imposes sanctions on alleged sham Palestinian charities
The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday imposed sanctions on five people and five entities across the Middle East, Africa and Europe, accusing them of being prominent financial supporters of Hamas' military wing under the pretense of conducting humanitarian work in the Gaza Strip and around the world. Those sanctioned include the Gaza-based charity Al Weam Charitable Society, which is accused of being controlled by Hamas, along with its executive director Muhammad Sami Muhammad Abu Marei. Turkey-based charity Filistin Vakfi and its President Zeki Abdullah Ibrahim Ararawi were also targeted for sanctions. Charities in Algeria, the Netherlands and Italy were also targeted for sanctions. The department is also targeting a separate charity linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, or PFLP. A 2024 Treasury report on terrorist financing highlights how online crowdfunding is increasingly done under the guise of soliciting legitimate charitable donations, making it difficult to identify as terrorist financing. Because the majority of crowdfunding activity is legitimate, 'this status can make it more difficult for law enforcement attempting to investigate potential (terrorist financing) cases with a crowdfunding and online fundraising nexus," the report said.
Bloomberg
03-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Citigroup's Burke Nominated for Key US Treasury Job on Sanctions
Jonathan Burke, a Citigroup Inc. managing director, was nominated for one of the top US Treasury Department jobs involved in crafting sanctions policy. If he's confirmed as assistant secretary for terrorist financing, it would mark a return to government work for Burke. From 2008 to 2012, he was a senior policy adviser in the Treasury Department's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, according to his LinkedIn profile. He's currently global head of banking sanctions compliance at New York-based Citigroup.
Arab News
25-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Islamic military coalition hosts training in Mali to counter terrorist financing
RIYADH: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition concluded a specialized training program on combating terrorist financing in Bamako, Mali, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. Conducted in cooperation with Mali's Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs, the program aimed to strengthen national capacities to counter terrorist financing and money laundering. The initiative is part of a broader series of strategic activities by the coalition to support its member states, the SPA added. The launch event was attended by Lt. Gen. Sadio Camara, Mali's minister of defense and veterans affairs; Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghed, secretary-general of the coalition; senior diplomatic and military officials; and representatives from national and international organizations. The program featured a scientific lecture, 'Financial Investigations into Terrorism Financing and Money Laundering Crimes,' attended by more than 200 participants, including security, oversight, and judicial personnel. The session covered methodologies for financial tracking, analysis of illicit networks, and shared relevant international experiences. Additionally, a closed workshop, 'Methods of Countering the Financing of Terrorist Organizations in the Sahel Region,' brought together specialists from key national and regional entities. Discussions focused on shared challenges, successful models, ongoing initiatives, and mechanisms for enhanced cooperation. The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of sustained collaboration between the coalition and its member states. Participants emphasized the need to expand training and capacity-building efforts to enhance institutional readiness and strengthen collective responses to security threats across the Sahel region.
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar Financial Information Unit and Libyan counterpart sign deal to boost cooperation
Doha: In a step towards strengthening bilateral relations and expanding the international cooperation framework in the fight against financial crimes, the Qatar Financial Information Unit (QFIU) and the Libyan Financial Information Unit signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration and facilitate the exchange of financial information. The MoU underscores both parties' shared commitment to international standards, particularly the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in combating money laundering and terrorist financing. This MoU further reinforces the State of Qatar's role in supporting regional cooperation, in line with international efforts to combat organized crime and promote transparency within the financial system across the Middle East and North Africa region. The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) plenary meetings held in Amman, Jordan, by Head of Qatar Financial Information Unit H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Eid Al-Thani, and Director of the Libyan Financial Information Unit Ahmed Bougaighis. During the signing, both parties stressed the importance of building effective strategic partnerships to enhance bilateral coordination. They also emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise and best practices, implementing capacity-building programs, and developing operational mechanisms to ensure sustainable mutual cooperation and reinforce their commitment in this vital field. This MoU marks a significant milestone in advancing international coordination, reflecting the State of Qatar's ongoing efforts to promote transparency and compliance with the global AML/CFT standards. This step also aligns with the relevant pillars of the national strategy, particularly in strengthening bilateral cooperation and information exchange. Under this MoU, both parties intend to explore the development of a shared database and activate technical working groups to support cross-border financial analysis efforts. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Ochuko Ojiri: Bargain Hunt art expert pleads guilty following police investigation into terrorist financing
An art dealer who featured on the television show Bargain Hunt has pleaded guilty following a police investigation into terrorist financing. Oghenochuko 'Ochuko' Ojiri, 53, has pleaded guilty to eight counts of failing to make a disclosure during the course of business within the regulated sector, contrary to section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000. Westminster Magistrates' Court heard he to a value of about £140,000. The art dealer has also appeared on the Antiques Road Trip. Prosecutor Lyndon Harris said Ojiri sold art to Nazem Ahmed, a suspected financier of . "At the time of the transactions, Mr Ojiri knew Mr Ahmed had been sanctioned in the US," Mr Harris told the court. "Mr Ojiri accessed news reports about Mr Ahmed's designation and engaged in discussions with others about his designation." "There is one discussion where Mr Ojiri is party to a conversation where it is apparent a lot of people have known for years about his terrorism links." Read more from Sky News:Two men found guilty of cutting down famous Sycamore Gap treeSuspect accused of Derby bank murder appears in courtMan whose body was found in suitcase 'had raped teenager' Ojiri "dealt with Mr Ahmed directly, negotiated the sales of artwork and congratulated him on those sales," according to Mr Harris. Each count Ojiri faced related to an individual sale of artworks, which were sent to Dubai, UAE and Beirut. Ojiri, from west London, has been bailed ahead of his sentencing at the Old Bailey on 6 June. He was ordered to surrender his passport and not apply for international travel documents. "He is not a flight risk," Gavin Irwin, mitigating, told the court. "The fact that he is here - he has left the UK and has always returned knowing he may be charged with offences - he will be here on the next occasion."
