Washington Sanctions African Companies for “Fundraising” Hizbullah

The United States Treasury Department announced Thursday it imposed economic sanctions against a number of companies that are active in Africa, which it accuses of funding Hizbullah.

Ali Tajideen and Husayn Tajideen, brothers who served as business partners for the previously sanctioned Kassim Tajideen, were targeted along with their business interests in The Gambia, Lebanon, Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and the British Virgin Islands.

"Today's designation targets two of Hizbullah's top financiers in Africa," said Under Secretary for "Terrorism" and "Financial Intelligence" Stuart Levey. "Ali and Husayn Tajideen's multinational network generates millions of dollars in funding and secures strategic geographical strongholds for Hizbullah."

Thursday's designation also included a number of businesses operated by the brothers, including Tajco, a multinational company involved in international trade and real estate that Kassim allegedly used to funnel millions of dollars to Hizbullah, according to the report.

Also designated Thursday was Bilal Mohsen Wehbe. He has been involved in transferring funds collected in Brazil to Hizbullah in Lebanon, according to the Treasury statement .