On November 9, 2022, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated two businessmen for providing assistance to Ahmed Luqman Talib, an individual who was designated by OFAC in 2020 pursuant to the US counterterrorism authority, Executive Order 13224, as amended, for engaging in the international movement of individuals and funds to advance al-Qa’ida’s objectives. OFAC reports that Talib, who reportedly conducted business in Brazil, Colombia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Türkiye, and the Gulf, was arrested in 2021 by Australian authorities and charged with plotting to infiltrate foreign states in order to engage in hostile activities. The new designees, both of whom are business partners of Talib, were sanctioned pursuant to EO 13224, as amended, for providing financial or material support to Talib.
As a result of these designations, all property and interests in property of the 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. In addition, entities owned 50 percent or more by a designated person or entity are also blocked, and foreign financial institutions that knowingly conduct significant transactions for the designated entities risk exposure to sanctions.
Department of Treasury Press Release