US sanctions Frenchman suspected of Islamic State ties

The United States has imposed sanctions on a French citizen, Miloud Abderrahmane, accused of financial dealings with the Islamic State group. The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (Ofac) identified Abderrahmane, also known as Ibrahim Ghazi, as a key intermediary facilitating fund transfers between ISIS regional branches.

According to a statement, Abderrahmane allegedly conducted transactions with individuals affiliated with ISIS, including those based in Syria. He is also accused of providing ISIS supporters with information on how to make and use explosives. The sanctions freeze any assets Abderrahmane may hold in the United States and prohibit American businesses and citizens from engaging with him.

These measures are part of a broader effort to target financial networks supporting terrorism. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that ISIS continues to explore new ways to fund its operations. The sanctions also extend to two other individuals and six organizations across Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa, all deemed critical in enabling the group's financial activities.