The Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC), in a joint operation with the United States and its Gulf Cooperation Council allies, has announced sanctions against three individuals facilitating Islamic State (ISIS) activities across Africa.
These figures, operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Somalia, and South Africa, were targeted for their crucial roles in financing and providing logistical support to the jihadist group on the continent.
This operation marks the eighth such joint action by the TFTC, an initiative established in 2017 to coordinate disruption efforts, share intelligence, and train institutions to counter terrorist financing. “This joint action underscores our shared commitment to preventing the Islamic State and other terrorist groups from using the international financial system to support their activities,” stated Bradley T. Smith, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Intelligence and Counterterrorism.
Described as an ISIS trainer and facilitator, Gangat is accused by the U.S. Treasury of funding the group’s operations through illicit means including robbery, extortion, and kidnapping for ransom. He was initially designated by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on July 23, 2024.
Nabagala is alleged to have served as an intermediary for ISIS funds in Central Africa. She is implicated in financing the October 2021 attack in Kampala and attempting to send her children to affiliated camps within the DRC. She was also designated by OFAC on July 23, 2024.
As the leader of the Somali branch of ISIS since 2019, Yusuf reportedly oversaw the arrival of foreign fighters, weapons, and funds for the group. Under his leadership, the organization is believed to have generated up to $2.5 million in 2021 through various illicit activities. Yusuf had been previously sanctioned on July 27, 2023.
The U.S. Treasury has reaffirmed its dedication to pursuing the financiers and facilitators of terrorist groups globally, in continued partnership with its TFTC allies.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA