Two kenyans among 16 people were sanctioned by the United States as being part of a transnational commercial network that raises and launders funds for the al-Shabaab terrorist organisation.
The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Faysal Yusuf Dini on Monday as an al-Shabaab financial facilitator who uses Haleel Group and parts of its leadership to transfer monies on behalf of the al-Qaida-affiliated terror group.
According to OFAC, Dini collaborates closely with Mohamed Jumale Ali Awale, also located in Kenya, to organize investment schemes and money laundering activities.
The federal government agency said in a statement, “This includes managing al-Shabaab funds laundered through investment projects and companies, including through Kenya-based Crown Bus Services.”
According to the report, Crown Bus Services was also employed to support al-Shabaab's logistical operations.
Haleel Commodities L.L.C., commonly known as Haleel Group, is also accused of being a leading financier for the terrorist group.
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According to the US, the corporation generates and launders monies through Haleel Group leaders and branches and subsidiaries in Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, and Cyprus.
Haleel Group's Cyprus businesses include Haleel Finance Ltd, Haleel Holdings, and Haleel Ltd. The company also has branches in Kenya (Haleel Commodities Limited), Uganda (Haleel Commodities Ltd), and Somalia under the name Haleel Electronics.
"As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the individuals and entities named above, and of any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by them, individually, or with other blocked persons, that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to OFAC," the statement went on to say.
