The US Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting the financing network of the ISIS group. The sanctions cover three individuals and six companies operating in Europe, the Middle East and West Africa.
Targeted individuals and companies
According to the Treasury Department's statement, the individuals added to the sanctions list are:
- Miloud Abdelrahman, residing in France
- Abdelhakim Bekkiche, residing in Syria
- Mukhtar Adamu Muhammed, residing in Nigeria
The department alleged these individuals are "key facilitators" who enable money transfers between ISIS's regional branches.
Companies under sanctions
The sanctions also target six companies. Among them is "Bitcoin Exchange," which is managed by Abdelhakim Bekkiche and stated to be of Dutch origin. The Treasury Department asserted that this company carried out money transfers from Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, South Africa and the US on behalf of ISIS-linked associates.
Two Turkey-based financial services companies, "Spider" and "Al-Karam," were also added to the sanctions list. Additionally, three more companies managed by Mukhtar Adamu Muhammed were included in the sanctions.
US allegations
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement regarding the sanctions, "ISIS continues to seek new methods and tools to finance its terrorist attacks." Bessent stated, "The US will use every tool at its disposal to crush the group's remaining capabilities and protect American lives."
The Treasury Department alleged that Miloud Abdelrahman conducted transactions with various ISIS branches and provided training to the group's supporters on explosives production.
The US has for years imposed sanctions on individual and institutional structures it says are linked to ISIS, particularly in Syria and Iraq.
