TITLE: U.S. Department of the Treasury Designates Hizballah-Aligned Officials and Expands Financial Network Sanctions
BODY:
On June 18, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Hizballah-aligned Lebanese officials and members of a Hizballah-associated business network overseen by Alaa Hassan Hamieh. The action expands upon OFAC's March 20, 2026 designations by targeting additional interlocutors in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Oman who raise funds, execute contracts, and operate front companies to generate revenue for Hizballah.
The designated Lebanese officials include Sleiman Antoine Frangie, leader of the Lebanese Marada Movement, who accepted financial support from Hizballah in exchange for supporting the group's efforts to target parliamentary seats of reformist and independent members of parliament. Mahmoud Qamati, Deputy Head of Hizballah's political council, coordinates cash smuggling from Iran for Hizballah and advocates for the group's interests in Lebanon. OFAC also designated multiple entities associated with Alaa Hamieh's business network, including Globe Technology Providers SARL (Globe SARL), Al-'Ahd Company for Trade and Investment, Al-Shafa Administrative Services Limited, Globe International SPC, and Tyke SAL. These entities facilitate revenue generation for Hizballah through contracts, equipment supply agreements, and insurance services across multiple jurisdictions.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said: "Hizballah must disarm for Lebanon to achieve a secure and prosperous future. Treasury will continue to target Hizballah's financial networks and hold accountable those who enable the group to undermine the Lebanese state and threaten prospects for lasting peace." The designations were made pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended. All property and interests in property of designated persons in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked. Financial institutions and other persons engaging in transactions with designated entities risk exposure to sanctions, including potential secondary sanctions on foreign financial institutions. Individuals providing information about sanctions violations to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) whistleblower incentive program may be eligible for awards if information leads to successful enforcement actions resulting in monetary penalties exceeding $1,000,000.