Kenyans feature in US Al-Shabaab terror list

NAIROBI, Kenya - Several Kenyans and companies have been featured in a list produced by the US Department of Treasury, with investigations linking them to a network of Al-Shabaab financiers, leading to their imminent designation of Monday according to the circular.

The US Treasury designated 16 individuals, which several Kenyans feature, in what could raise eyebrows on the commitment of the country to fight the extremists, who have technically made Somalia ungovernable.

On top of the list are Kenya-based Haleel Commodities Limited and Crown Bus Services, who are being designated under E.O. 13244, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by, directly or indirectly, Mohamed Jumale Ali Awale, a person whose property and interest in property are proposed to be blacked under E.O. 13224, as amended.

Kenya-based Faysal Yusuf Dini (Dini) is an al-Shabaab financial facilitator who leverages Haleel Group and some of its leadership to transfer funds on behalf of al-Shabaab, the statement reads.

According to the statement, he also works closely with Kenya-based Mohamed Jumale Ali Awale (Awale) to plan investment projects and money laundering activities.

"This includes managing al-Shabaab funds laundered through investment projects and companies, including through Kenya-based Crown Bus Services. Crown Bus Services has also supported al-Shabaab’s logistical operations."

These individuals and entities are being designated under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, which targets terrorist groups and their enablers.

“The United States is committed to working with regional partners to root out terror financing networks and the entities they abuse to raise and move funds,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson.

“Today’s action is part of a multifaceted effort by Treasury to support the Somali government’s economic offensive against al-Shabaab—one of three pillars in their campaign to degrade this deadly terrorist group.”

Al-Shabaab generates over $100 million per year by extorting local businesses and individuals, as well as through the financial support of affiliated businesspeople. The threat posed by al-Shabaab is not limited to Somalia. Al-Shabaab’s revenues are disbursed to other al-Qa’ida-supported groups worldwide and help fund al-Qa’ida’s global ambitions to sow discord and undermine good governance.

This action continues Treasury’s efforts to disrupt al-Shabaab’s abuse of the regional financial system and builds on OFAC’s October 2022 designation of a network of al-Shabaab financial facilitators who served as key interlocutors between al-Shabaab and local businesses in Somalia, the US noted.

GAROWE ONLINE