US Identifies ISIS Funding Network In Nigeria, Others

The United States (US) has designated a Nigerian national and other individuals and entities across Europe, the Middle East and West Africa as alleged financial facilitators linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Naija News reports that the action was announced in a statement dated Monday, June 22 and signed by the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, Thomas Pigott.

According to the statement, three individuals and six entities were targeted for allegedly helping ISIS move funds for its global operations.

Pigott said the action was part of Washington’s efforts to disrupt ISIS financing networks.

“Under the leadership of President Trump, the United States is dismantling ISIS’s ability to finance terrorism around the world. We are cutting off the financial lifelines from around the world that enable ISIS to fund attacks, support its regional affiliates, and threaten civilians, including religious minorities,” the statement said.

The U.S. said the latest designations covered France, Syria, Türkiye and Nigeria, describing the network as one used to move money across borders.

“Today’s designations target three individuals and six entities operating across Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa who have enabled ISIS to move money across borders, exposing a network that spans from France and Syria to Türkiye and Nigeria,” the statement added.

The statement said those designated included a France-based facilitator accused of providing information on explosives to ISIS supporters.

It also named a Syria-based operator accused of using cryptocurrency to transfer funds on behalf of ISIS associates in multiple countries, including the United States.

The U.S. further alleged that a Nigeria-based facilitator operated money exchange businesses used as conduits for ISIS financing.

“Among those designated is a France-based facilitator who provided information concerning the use of explosives to ISIS supporters, a Syria-based operator who used cryptocurrency to transfer funds on behalf of ISIS associates in multiple countries, including the United States, and a Nigeria-based facilitator whose money exchange businesses served as conduits for ISIS financing,” the statement added.