The U.S. Treasury on Thursday imposed sanctions on two top Lebanese businessmen and a lawmaker over alleged large-scale corruption that undermined the rule of law in Lebanon.
Businessmen Jihad al-Arab who has close political connections, and Dany Khoury close to Gebran Bassil were both sanctioned for alleged corruption related to state contracts.
As for Lawmaker Jamil al-Sayyed, a Treasury statement said that he was sanctioned for allegedly seeking to "skirt domestic banking policies and regulations" and transfer $120 million abroad, "presumably to enrich himself and his associates.”
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken tweeted that the "sanctions (imposed by the United States) on two corrup" Lebanese businessmen and a member of Parliament are an important step in promoting accountability in Lebanon."
He stressed that "Lebanese officials must end corruption and take urgent action to address the crises the Lebanese people face."
The United States is imposing sanctions on two corrupt Lebanese businessmen and a member of Parliament – an important step in promoting accountability in Lebanon. Lebanese officials must end corruption and take urgent action to address the crises the Lebanese people face. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 28, 2021
The United States is imposing sanctions on two corrupt Lebanese businessmen and a member of Parliament – an important step in promoting accountability in Lebanon. Lebanese officials must end corruption and take urgent action to address the crises the Lebanese people face.