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U.S. Sanctions Lebanon Gold Exchange Jood SARL, Expands Crackdown on Hezbollah Financing

U.S. officials say the move targets Al-Qard Al-Hassan’s gold-based schemes used to fund weapons procurement.

Overview

  • Treasury and State announced new designations on Feb. 10 under Executive Order 13224 targeting Hezbollah-linked financiers and companies.
  • Jood SARL, a Lebanon-based gold exchange, was blacklisted for converting Hezbollah’s gold reserves into cash through an Al-Qard Al-Hassan company network.
  • U.S. officials identified AQAH officials Mohamed Nayef Maged and Ali Karnib as co-owners and managing partners of Jood SARL.
  • Authorities detailed a broader procurement and shipping network operating in the Middle East, including Iran, that trades gold and fertilizer to raise funds.
  • Treasury said proceeds support arms purchases, including from Russia, and imposed asset blocks, reporting and 50% ownership rules, with potential criminal penalties for violations.