WASHINGTON — The United States has imposed sanctions on four individuals linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), including members of an ISIS-associated human smuggling network. These actions were taken in close coordination with the Government of Türkiye, which is also taking domestic action against this network.
“Today’s coordinated action with Türkiye demonstrates our continued commitment to the defense of the homeland against all terrorist threats, including the so-called Islamic State or ISIS,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. “Alongside our partners, we will remain vigilant and continue to leverage our full suite of tools to identify and disrupt the illicit networks that support ISIS operations.”
The designated individuals include Uzbekistan-based Olimkhon Makhmudjon Ugli Ismailov (Ismailov), who is involved in the ISIS-linked human smuggling network; Muhammad Ibrohimjon Niyazov (Niyazov), a supporter providing administrative and logistics support for ISIS members in Türkiye; and Muhammadyusuf Alisher Ogli Mirzoev (Mirzoev), who was involved in establishing an ISIS militant training camp in mid-2023. These individuals are being designated pursuant to Executive Order 13224 for materially assisting or supporting ISIS.
Additionally, Adam Khamirzaev (Khamirzaev), the emir of ISIS Georgia Province, has been designated by the Department of State. Khamirzaev provided guidance to this smuggling network on activities supporting ISIS. He is also being designated under Executive Order 13224 as a leader of ISIS.
As a result of these designations, all property and interests in property belonging to these individuals, as well as any entities owned 50 percent or more by them directly or indirectly, must be blocked if they are within U.S. jurisdiction or control. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions involving these properties.
Engaging in certain transactions with these designated individuals carries risks of secondary sanctions under Executive Order 13224. OFAC can impose strict conditions on foreign financial institutions that knowingly conduct significant transactions on behalf of Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
OFAC emphasizes that its sanctions aim not only at punishment but at encouraging positive behavioral changes. Information regarding removal from OFAC’s lists can be found in OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897.
