Australia re-lists “Abu Maryam al-Australi” on terrorism financing sanctions list

Ibrahim Sakriya, known in Syria as “Abu Maryam al-Australi”, has been re-listed among individuals subject to targeted financial sanctions related to countering terrorism financing, in a measure that came into effect yesterday, 3 October.

Syrian media reports have circulated the name of Ibrahim Sakriya, known as “Abu Maryam al-Australi”, describing him as the director-general of the Syrian Sovereign Fund, while other sources have indicated that he is linked to economic affairs and the management of assets belonging to the fund. However, the government has not, to date, issued any official announcement confirming his appointment to the position, nor has it denied that he holds these responsibilities, leaving his status unclear.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that Foreign Minister Penny Wong, through a legislative instrument, re-listed 15 individuals and two entities under Part IV of the United Nations Charter Act 1945. It noted that terrorism-financing-related financial sanctions listings expire automatically and are subject to review after three years.

Ibrahim Sakriya’s name appears on the official list as Abraham Succarieh, along with aliases associated with him, including “Abu Maryam”, according to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s list.

The listing results in the freezing of the listed person’s freezeable assets. Dealing with such assets or making them available to the listed person, directly or indirectly, without authorisation from the competent authorities, constitutes an offence under Australian law.

Australia first listed Sakriya on 8 June 2018 under the targeted financial sanctions regime for countering terrorism financing, following Australian allegations of his links to Jabhat al-Nusra.

The move confirms that the Australian sanctions imposed on Sakriya remain in force, despite the passage of years since his initial listing, with the sanctions subject to periodic review under Australian legislation.

Ibrahim Sakriya, known as “Abu Maryam al-Australi”, is an Australian of Lebanese origin. His name has been linked to “Jabhat al-Nusra” and subsequently Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. Australia placed him on its sanctions list on charges of terrorism financing. He later emerged in economic and administrative roles in Syria, amid reports and allegations concerning the management of assets and the seizure of businesspeople’s property, as well as allegations of corruption and abuse of influence.

Sh-S

ANHA