FROM A
DIFFERENT ANGLE by Kenneth Rijock
Financial Crime Consultant, for World-Check
Israel says 33 HAMAS officials arrested this week were engaged in terrorist financing and money laundering
28 May 2007

The Government of Israel, in commenting upon the arrest this week of 33 Palestinian politicians and officials affiliated with the global terrorist organisation HAMAS, stated that these individuals were detained due to their involvement in terrorist financing and money laundering. This is a clear sign that even minor HAMAS officials represent an unacceptable level of risk as bank clients, as the terrorist financing designation carries with it reputation damage, and potential exposure to severe US regulatory action, something that you do not want under any circumstances.

The lesson here is that even junior HAMAS members are reportedly engaging in financial crime and terrorist financing. Whilst their financial activities in EU countries may be personal, it is becoming dangerous to bank any HAMAS agents. If Israel has stated that minor politicians are involved, you can rest assured that the US has that evidence, and will take the same position, should its law enforcement agencies find that you are banking them.

You do not want to be targeted as an institution of primary money laundering concern.This is not a political statement, but a recognition of the reality on the ground in the global war against terrorism. To bank even minor players from designated terrorist organisations is an invitation to disaster. 

Remember also, as bulk cash smuggling operations continues to be the principal means of funding HAMAS activities in the Palestinian Territories, that even low-level HAMAS members can be involved in moving what has been designated as terrorist funding. Bank them at your peril.

The facts and opinions stated in this article are those of the author and not those of World-Check. World-Check does not warrant the accuracy of any facts and opinions stated in this article, does not endorse them, and accepts no responsibility for them.

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