Lebanese Businessman Sentenced to Prison for Sanctions Evasion, IEEPA Violations

A Lebanese businessman was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to forfeit $50 million for violating U.S. sanctions and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Justice Department said in an Aug. 8 press release. Kassim Tajideen pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to “launder monetary instruments” after the Justice Department said his network of Lebanese and African businesses helped finance Hezbollah.

Tajideen was sanctioned in 2009 as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist but conspired with others to complete more than $50 million in transactions with U.S. businesses, the press release said. Tajideen’s transactions included “transmissions of as much as $1 billion through the United States financial system” from outside the U.S., the Justice Department said.

“Today’s sentencing highlights our efforts to prosecute those who violate sanctions meant to stem the flow of money to terrorists groups,” prosecutor Jessie K. Liu said in a statement. “Our message to those who violate sanctions is that you will be found, and you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”