US sanctions Kenyan bus company, individuals over financial links to Al-Shabaab

The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned Crown Bus Services over financial links to Somalia’s terrorist group, Al-Shabaab.

The transport service-providing company has found itself in hot soup as it is managed by people the US believes have direct links with Al-Shabaab.

The individuals flagged off by the US government include Faysal Yusuf Dini and Mohamed Jumale Ali Awale.

“Kenya-based Faysal Yusuf Dini (Dini) is an Al-Shabaab financial facilitator who leverages Haleel Group and some of its leadership to transfer funds on behalf of al-Shabaab.

“He also works closely with Kenya-based Mohamed Jumale Ali Awale (Awale) to plan investment projects and money laundering activities. This includes managing al-Shabaab funds laundered through investment projects and companies, including through Kenya-based Crown Bus Services. Crown Bus Services has also supported Al-Shabaab’s logistical operations,” OFAC said.

Another player, Farhan Hussein Hayder, has also been named on the list for his management role in the companies affiliated with the Somalia group.

“Farhan Hussein Hayder (Hayder) directs and manages Haleel Group’s branches in Kenya, Uganda, Cyprus, and the UAE, and supports Al-Shabaab by generating funds for the group through these businesses,” the statement added.

Sanctions

OFAC further detailed the sanctions the named companies and individuals will face going forward.

“Kenya-based Haleel Commodities Limited and Crown Bus Services are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13244, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by, directly or indirectly, Mohamed Jumale Ali Awale, a person whose property and interest in property are proposed to be blacked pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended,” it continued.

Properties owned by the flagged individuals and companies will also face sanctions.

“As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the individuals and entities named above, and of any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by them, individually, or with other blocked persons, that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons, must be blocked and reported to OFAC. 

“OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all dealings by U.S. persons or within the United States (including transactions transiting the United States) that involve any property or interests in property of designated or blocked persons,” the statement said.