November 8, 2022

OFAC designates members of ISIS cell operating in South Africa

The Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Department of the Treasury has designated four associates of Farhad Hoomer, a member of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) who was designated in March 2022 pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, for pursuing the objectives of ISIS in southern Africa, and for facilitating the transfer of funds to ISIS branches throughout the African continent.  Executive Order 14223, as amended, targets terrorist groups, their supporters and associated assets. 

According to OFAC, the four individuals designated today, also pursuant to EO 14223, are members of an ISIS cell operating in South Africa, and have acted in collaboration with Hoomer – two as senior members of the Durban, South Africa ISIS cell led by Hoomer, and two for their involvement in a plan to place bombs near a mosque and retail buildings – and have provided material or financial assistance or sponsorship to ISIS.  OFAC also designated four companies based in South Africa for being owned, controlled or directed by the four designated individuals.  Four other companies were designated for being owned, controlled or directed by Farhad Hoomer.

As a result of these designations, all property and interests in property of today’s designees within the United States or within the possession or control of a US person are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions involving the designated persons. 

US Dept of the Treasury press release