Hezbollah Identifies New Funding Source Amid U.S. Investigation
U.S. Units Tracking Missing Funds Linked to Hezbollah
A diplomatic source in Lebanon has disclosed that a U.S. unit specializing in anti-mstarty laundering and financial crime investigations is currently examining approximately $21 million that was under the management of the “Al-Qard Al-Hassan” association, which is affiliated with Hezbollah. This investigation follows reports of the funds’ disappearance, with concerns growing about their potential use for military purposes by the organization.
According to a report by Erem News, the American team, operating from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, is conducting a covert investigation focused on four financial transactions that occurred between February and April this year. These transactions reportedly extracted significant sums from the association’s financial system without a clear stated purpose or destination for the transferred funds.
Assessment of Funding Uses
Sources suggest a high likelihood that the missing funds were redirected to support Hezbollah’s military apparatus. Notably, the association has historically documented its public activities within the organization’s supportive community. However, it has not disclosed these recent transactions as being for social programs, loans, or recovery efforts for war-damaged branches, but rather for unspecified targets.
The investigation also points to potential funding strategies employed by Hezbollah to cope with recent resource challenges. This situation has been exacerbated by increased scrutiny from the Lebanese Armed Forces regarding operations at Beirut’s international airport-a route previously used for cash transfers to the group.
Shrinking Funding Channels
In light of recent developments, financial support reaching Hezbollah through the Syria-Lebanon border has reportedly decreased, following the closure of illicit crossings that were commonly utilized by the group. Moreover, a decline in Iranian support, attributed to changes in Syria’s political landscape, has had a significant impact on Hezbollah’s fundraising capabilities.
The report outlines that the origins of funds credited to the “Al-Qard Al-Hassan” institution included transfers from various businesses, industry companies, Lebanese citizens with foreign citizenship, and additional contributors across Arab countries and Europe. Some transactions were conducted through currency exchange brokers based in Lebanon.
Lack of Official Responses
It is essential to note that these allegations are based solely on a single source quoted by Erem News. As of now, there has been no official acknowledgment or public comment regarding these findings from the Lebanese government, Hezbollah, or the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. Other sources have yet to validate the details provided.
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