US designates 3 individuals, company in Lebanon for Hezbollah links

WASHINGTON

The US imposed sanctions on three people and their company in Lebanon on Tuesday for their alleged links to Hezbollah, according to the Treasury Department.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Adel Diab, Ali Mohamad Daoun, Jihad Salem Alame and their company, Dar Al Salam for Travel & Tourism.

"This action comes at a time in which the Lebanese economy faces an unprecedented crisis and Hizballah, as part of Lebanon’s government, is blocking economic reforms and inhibiting much needed change for the Lebanese people," the agency said in a statement, using another spelling for the terror group.

Diab is a Lebanese businessman accused of using his business to raise funds for the group and facilitate its activities. Daoun and Alame are said to be materially assisting and financially supporting the group.

"With this action, Treasury is disrupting businessmen who raise and launder funds for Hizballah’s destabilizing activities while the Lebanese people face worsening economic and humanitarian crises,” Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said in the statement.

"Hizballah claims it supports the Lebanese people, but just like other corrupt actors in Lebanon that Treasury has designated, Hizballah continues to profit from insulated business ventures and backdoor political deals, amassing wealth that the Lebanese people never see," said Nelson.

Properties belonging to the designated individuals and entities that are in the US or in the possession or control of US persons must be blocked and reported to the OFAC.

The US designated Hezbollah a terror organization in October 1997 and as a specially designated global terrorist in October 2001.