Sanctioning International Hizballah Network

01/21/2022 02:14 PM EST

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

The United States is designating Hizballah-affiliated financial facilitator Adnan Ayad, as well as members of an international network of facilitators and companies connected to him and to Adel Diab, Ayad's business partner and fellow Hizballah financier.  Diab was designated on January 18 of this year.

Adnan Ayad, Jihad Adnan Ayad, Ali Adel Diab, and 10 companies are designated under Executive Order 13224, as amended, which targets terrorists, leaders, and officials of terrorist groups, and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism, among others.

These financial facilitators have helped Hizballah obtain funds through networks of companies that disguise themselves as legitimate businesses.  The sanctions evasion efforts of those designated today are a stark example of how Hizballah abuses the international financial system to fund its acts of terrorism and illicit activities.

The United States is committed to disrupting Hizballah's illicit activity, including attempts to evade sanctions through business networks.  Hizballah's actions threaten the security, stability, and sovereignty of the Lebanese people.