From blood diamonds to shell companies: The shadow empire keeping Hezbollah alive

An investigation by 'Aram News' reveals Hezbollah's financing networks in West Africa, relying on diamond and gold trading and shell companies to transfer funds while bypassing sanctions, against the backdrop of economic pressure on the organization and a decline in Iran's ability to provide it with resources.

An investigation by 'Aram News' reveals Hezbollah's financing networks in West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone. According to the report, the organization relies on long-standing Lebanese communities, shell companies, diamond and gold trading, and the informal money transfer system 'Hawala' to move funds and resources while evading sanctions. The investigation cites security and research sources, and mentions businessman Nazem Said Ahmed, who was previously placed on U.S. sanctions lists on suspicion of aiding money laundering and financing Hezbollah. The article raises the question of whether Africa serves Hezbollah not only as a source of money but also as a logistical rear base, and notes Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, and Sierra Leone as countries where such networks operate. It also mentions a historical connection between Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Sierra Leone, while emphasizing that this does not constitute evidence of criminal activity on his part.