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Paraguayese Authorities Arrest Suspected Money Launderer Amid US Sanctions

As part of a global crackdown on corruption, the United States has sanctioned a money laundering network operating in the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. The Treasury Department has targeted Kassem Mohamad Hijazi, 48, and two of his associates, Khalil Ahmad Hijazi and Liz Paola Doldan Gonzalez, along with five companies involved in the scheme.

Background

Kassem was identified as the leader of the money laundering organization based in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay. The department accused him of maintaining strong ties with Paraguayan politicians, police officers, district attorneys and money exchange brokers to ensure his operations remained secure.

Investigation Findings

The investigation found that Kassem used his company, Espana Informatica S.A., to coordinate imports and exports of goods from the United States and China, laundering hundreds of millions of dollars in the process. The Treasury Department alleges that he altered invoices and submitted them to Paraguayan banks for wire transfers, reducing the value of the goods to avoid taxation.

Arrest and Charges

Kassem was arrested by Paraguay’s National Anti-Drug Secretariat on Tuesday morning and has been charged with money laundering and drug trafficking. His arrest is considered a “high strategic value” for both the United States and Paraguay.

US Sanctions

The sanctions freeze all US property and interests in property under the names of the individuals and companies involved, while also prohibiting US citizens from doing business with them. The move comes as part of President Joe Biden’s administration’s efforts to crack down on corruption worldwide.

Quotes

“The United States is committed to supporting Paraguay’s efforts to combat corruption and promote accountability for those who undermine government institutions.” - Secretary of State Antony Blinken

Importance of the Move

Corruption degrades the rule of law, weakens economies and stifles economic growth, undermines democratic institutions, perpetuates conflict, deprives innocent civilians of fundamental human rights and is intrinsically linked to money laundering and the lack of financial transparency.

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