Farhat’s extradition to the US will reveal more about Hezbollah’s use of TBML
The extradition from Paraguay to the US of a suspected money launderer of Lebanese origin is expected to result in a case that sheds light on how Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement uses trade-based money laundering (TBML) to fund its activities.
Paraguayan
authorities have handed over Nader Mohamed Farhat to US security authorities in
Miami, Florida, where he faces criminal charges involving money laundering.
Revelations
anticipated
Farhat’s case is expected to reveal information about money laundering and the
complexities of trade and illicit financial flows (IFFs) on the tri-border area
at the junction of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, including the involvement of
Hezbollah.
A federal court in Miami will decide whether Farhat’s trial will be held there
or in New York, where similar charges have been made against him.
Farhat allegedly conspired with another Paraguayan national of Lebanese origin,
Mahmoud Ali Barakat, and three other defendants to launder proceeds from drugs.
More findings
likely
Farhat is a “known money launderer for narcotics organisations and other
illicit organisations,” according to court documents.
The case is expected to reveal how drug gangs in Latin America and other organised
crime groups continued to exploit complex trade-based schemes.
Many of the companies they use in their
operations are incorporated and based in the US so the case is also likely to
expose the US’ lax beneficial ownership requirements for companies registered
there.
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