Charges Laid Against Syrian National

A Syrian national has been charged with misappropriating over million in U.S.-funded humanitarian assistance, allegedly directing these funds to several militant organizations, including the notorious al Qaeda.

Details of the Indictment

According to a press release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Mahmoud Al Hafyan, aged 53, has been indicted on 12 counts related to the diversion of humanitarian aid that was intended for innocent civilians suffering in the war-torn regions of Syria. Instead of reaching those in need, the funds were reportedly funneled to armed combatant groups.

Among these groups is the Al-Nusrah Front (ANF), identified as a foreign terrorist organization with strong affiliations to al Qaeda in Iraq.

Government Statement on the Issue

U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves condemned the actions of Al Hafyan, highlighting the severe implications of his deceit. He remarked, “This defendant not only defrauded the U.S. government, but he also gave the humanitarian aid he stole to a foreign terrorist organization. While this foreign terrorist organization fought with the cruel al-Assad regime, the people who were supposed to receive the aid suffered.”

Methodology of Fraud

The indictment outlines how Al Hafyan gained access to U.S.-funded humanitarian aid by presenting himself as the head of a non-governmental organization (NGO) operating in Syria. Authorities revealed that he managed a workforce of 160 employees at the NGO’s humanitarian station.

The investigations revealed that the NGO led by Al Hafyan was awarded a staggering 2 million between January 2015 and November 2018, specifically allocated for providing essential food and medical supplies to those affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Connection to Terrorist Activities

Working alongside at least two accomplices, Al Hafyan directed food aid packages worth millions to high-ranking commanders within ANF. This terrorist group has well-documented ties to severe human rights abuses, including mass executions, suicide bombings, and kidnappings aimed at overthrowing the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Deception Tactics

To disguise the illicit transfer of food kits, Al Hafyan and his associates allegedly inflated the number of food packages they received and falsified beneficiary logs. This fraudulent activity was geared towards creating an appearance that the NGO was aiding war-affected families throughout Syria.

The affidavit, secured by Fox News, also detailed threats made by Al Hafyan towards NGO employees who were hesitant to comply with his illicit directives. Not only did he coerce employees into defrauding the humanitarian effort, but he also forced them to contribute portions of their salaries to support the very terrorist organization that he was feeding.

Statements from Law Enforcement

FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani expressed the gravity of the situation, declaring, “Not only was Al Hafyan supporting violent terrorists, but he was stealing money from the U.S. government that was meant for humanitarian efforts. This public indictment is the culmination of years of work.”

Myriad of Deceit

Authorities have reported that Al Hafyan profited from the humanitarian kits sold on the black market to commanders of ANF, emphasizing the extensive reach of his fraudulent practices. The indictment states, “Al Hafyan and his co-conspirators falsified beneficiary logs and inflated the number of food kits received by war-affected families in the Syrian villages of Bweiti, Lof, and Mazratt-Sh.”