(WASHINGTON, DC) – Yesterday, the United States Department of the Treasury designated to the United Nations 1267 Sanctions Committee the Philippine and Indonesian branch offices of the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO) and Mr. Abd Al Hamid Sulaiman Al-Mujil for facilitating fundraising for terrorist organizations. The IIRO is not a Saudi organization; it is a non-governmental, multinational organization based in the Kingdom with offices throughout the world. As an international non-governmental organization, the IIRO requires oversight from multinational enforcement entities.

“Saudi Arabia is aggressively combating terror financing,” remarked Saudi Ambassador to the United States Prince Turki Al-Faisal. “We have strict regulations and monetary controls in place that are confirmed by third-party organizations, including the United Nations.”

With regards to Mr. Al-Mujil, he is currently under investigation, and his assets have been frozen pending any legal decisions.

Saudi Arabia is on the forefront of combating terror financing and has put in place one of the most rigorous systems for controlling charities in the world. It has implemented all 40 recommendations on money laundering and all eight recommendations on terrorism financing set by the Financial Action Task Force of the G-8, which has reviewed and attested to the Kingdom’s capabilities. In addition, Saudi Arabia is currently enforcing a moratorium prohibiting charities, including multilateral organizations, from transferring money abroad.

Prince Turki added: “Saudi Arabia has strictly implemented all UN resolutions regarding terror financing – whether they pertain to individuals or entire entities.”