(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON, Dec 7 (KUNA) -- An operator of a network of businesses in Lebanon and Africa, designated by the US Treasury as a financial supporter to Hezbollah, pleaded guilty Thursday with evading US sanctions imposed on him.
Kassim Tajideen, 63, of Beirut pleaded guilty at a court in DC "to conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, in furtherance of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)," said a statement from the US Treasury Department.
Tajideen was designated by the Treasury as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in May 2009 which prohibited him from being involved in transaction with US persons or companies without a license.
"This guilty plea demonstrates our commitment to vigorously investigate and prosecute violations of US economic sanctions," said US Attorney Jessie Liu in the statement.
"Through the efforts of law enforcement here and abroad, this defendant has been held accountable for violating laws protecting our national security and foreign policy interests." In the statement of facts signed by Tajideen he conspired with at least five other people to conduct over USD 50 million in transactions with US business that violated prohibitions.
Tajideen and his co-conspirators "knowingly" engaged in transactions outside of the US, which involved transmissions of as much as USD 1 billion through the US financial system.
"The plea, which is contingent upon the Court's approval, calls for an agreed-upon sentence of 60 months in prison. The plea agreement also calls for Tajideen to pay USD 50 million as a criminal forfeiture in advance of his sentencing.
Tajideen has been detained since extradition to the United States in March 2017 after his arrest overseas," the Treasury said.
Sentencing is scheduled to occur on January 18, 2019. (end) ak.mb
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