Terrorist-linked individuals banned from travelling to the UK and Jersey (Guernsey not mentioned!!)

Jersey and the UK have imposed sanctions on Nazem Ahmad and Mustafa Ayash, including asset freezes and travel bans, which prevent them from entering the UK or Jersey.

• Mustafa Ayash

• Has been sanctioned for his role in promoting terrorism through his involvement with "Gaza Now," a media network that supports Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
• Ayash is suspected of providing financial support to these terrorist groups, and his assets have been frozen as part of the UK's counter-terrorism measures.

• Nazem Ahmad

• Is a prominent financier for Hizballah, a designated terrorist organisation and has been sanctioned due to his suspected involvement in financing the terrorist group Hizballah.
• All his assets and economic resources in the UK have been frozen, and UK persons are prohibited from doing business with him or any companies he controls.
• He has been involved in various illicit activities, including money laundering and smuggling "blood diamonds."
• Ahmad used a complex network of business entities to launder money and financially support Hizballah.
• Despite being sanctioned by the U.S. since 2019, he continued to engage in transactions involving valuable artwork and diamonds, hiding his involvement through these business entities.
• There is also a reward of $10 million for information https://rewardsforjustice.net/rewards/nazem-said-ahmad/

Nazem Ahmad uses a sophisticated network of business entities, family members, and associates to launder money through the art and gem markets. Here are some key methods he employs:

1. Shell Companies: Ahmad sets up shell companies to disguise his involvement in financial transactions. These companies often appear legitimate but are used to move illicit funds.
2. Overvaluing and Undervaluing Art: He manipulates the value of artwork by overvaluing or undervaluing pieces. This allows him to move large sums of money while hiding the true nature of the transactions.
3. Use of Galleries: Ahmad uses art galleries, such as the Artual Gallery in Beirut, as fronts to launder money. These galleries facilitate the sale and purchase of high-value art, which helps conceal the funds' origins.
4. Diamond and Gem Trade: He exploits the global diamond and precious gems market by manipulating prices and taxes using both legal and illegal means. This includes falsifying certificates required under the Kimberley Process to give the appearance of legitimacy.
5. Concealing Ownership: Ahmad often hides his beneficial ownership of art and gems by using cover companies, family members, or business associates to appear as the owners on official documents

These methods enable Ahmad to continue financing Hizballah while evading sanctions and maintaining his luxurious lifestyle.

• Sanctioned for financing terrorism and diamond smuggling https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/ID-8-Nazem-Ahmad-Trade-Evasion-Map.pdf
• https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/hsi-investigation-results-actions-against-international-diamondart-organization-money
• Mustafa AYASH – sanctioned for promoting terrorism in Gaza https://www.reuters.com/world/uk-government-places-travel-ban-two-men-under-counter-terrorism-sanctions-2024-08-29/
• Treasury Disrupts International Money Laundering and Sanctions Evasion .... https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1422.
• The US Treasury Department Sanctioned Dealer Nazem Ahmed for Allegedly .... https://news.artnet.com/art-world/sanctions-nazem-ahmad-art-collector-1734558.
• Treasury Disrupts International Money Laundering and Sanctions Evasion .... https://www.globalsecurity.org/security/library/news/2023/04/sec-230418-treasury01.htm.
• Office of Public Affairs | OFAC-Designated Hezbollah Financier and .... https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ofac-designated-hezbollah-financier-and-eight-associates-charged-multiple-crimes-arising-out.

Jersey sanction

• https://www.gov.je/gazette/Pages/FinancialSanctionsNoticeCounterTerrorismDomestic29August2024.aspx