Washington, D.C. – March 28, 2025 – The United States has announced the designation of a Lebanon-based sanctions evasion network actively supporting the financial operations of Hezbollah, a designated terrorist organization. According to a press statement released by Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the network facilitates Hezbollah’s revenue generation through commercial projects and oil smuggling, directly undermining Lebanon’s stability.
“These evasion networks bolster Iran and Hezbollah, undermining Lebanon,” stated Bruce. “As part of today’s action, the United States is designating five individuals and three associated companies, including family members and close associates of prominent Hezbollah officials.”
The targeted individuals and entities are alleged to be crucial components of Hezbollah’s finance team, responsible for overseeing illicit commercial activities that provide substantial funding to the organization. This action aligns with the U.S. government’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran and its proxies, as outlined in National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, issued on February 4th.
The U.S. government reiterated its commitment to supporting Lebanon by disrupting Hezbollah’s financial infrastructure. “The United States is committed to supporting Lebanon by exposing and disrupting funding schemes for Hezbollah’s terrorist activities and Iran’s destabilizing influence in the region,” Bruce emphasized. “Hezbollah cannot be allowed to keep Lebanon captive. The United States will continue using tools at its disposal until this terrorist group no longer threatens the Lebanese people.”
In a significant move to enhance disruption efforts, the State Department’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the disruption of Hezbollah’s financial mechanisms. This reward aims to incentivize individuals with knowledge of Hezbollah’s financial operations to come forward and assist in dismantling the network.
The designation of this network underscores the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to counter terrorism financing and limit the influence of Iran and its proxies in the Middle East. The $10 million reward reflects the seriousness of the U.S. commitment to dismantling Hezbollah’s financial support structure and ensuring the stability of Lebanon.
