The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced sanctions against twelve individuals and entities across various jurisdictions. These sanctions target key figures involved in arms trafficking, money laundering, and the shipment of illicit Iranian petroleum benefiting the Houthis. Among those designated are central figures such as the head of the Houthi-aligned Central Bank of Yemen branch in Sana’a.
Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated: “Today’s action underscores our commitment to leveraging all our tools to disrupt the Houthis’ efforts to acquire weapons, procure dual-use components, and secure additional revenue.” He added that “the United States will continue to expose these schemes and will hold accountable those who seek to enable the Houthis’ destabilizing activities.”
These actions are executed under Executive Order 13224. The U.S. Department of State’s designation of Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist became effective on February 16, 2024. OFAC had previously designated Sa’id al-Jamal under E.O. 13224 for his support to the IRGC-QF.
Key financial operatives like Hashem Ismail Ali Ahmad al-Madani and Ahmed Muhammad Muhammad Hasan al-Hadi have been named for their roles in facilitating financial movements supporting Houthi activities. Al-Madani oversees funds sent from IRGC-QF while Al-Hadi coordinates fund movement on behalf of the group.
Additionally, businesses such as Mohammed Ali Al Thawr Exchange and Khaled Al Hazmi and Brother Company General Partnership are implicated for money laundering operations with IRGC-QF. These exchanges have moved significant sums into Yemen despite sanctions.
The network also includes shipping facilitators like Wail Muhammad Said Abd-al-Wadud and Umar Ahmad Umar Ahmad Hajj who play roles in smuggling operations from Yemen and China. Companies like Safwan Al-Dubai Company of Shipping and Trade aid in transporting illicit goods.
In Malaysia, firms Blu Shipping (M) SDN BHD and Tefcas Marine SDN BHD provided services for oil shipments linked to al-Jamal’s network. Merkur Energy Port Services SDN BHD acted as a port agent for vessels carrying Iranian commodities.
Sanctions entail blocking property within U.S. jurisdiction belonging to these individuals or entities. Violations can result in civil or criminal penalties under OFAC regulations.
The ultimate goal of these sanctions is not punitive but aims at behavioral change by ensuring compliance with international laws.
