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'''Project Cassandra''' was an Obama era [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] (DEA) operation launched after evidence had been amassed that [[Hezbollah]] transformed itself from a Middle East-focused military and political organization into a global crime syndicate that some investigators believed was collecting $1 billion a year from [[narcotic]]s and weapons trafficking, [[money laundering]] and other criminal activities. The Obama White House at the highest levels thwarted the investigation as a concession to the government of Iran to win the ill-concieved [[Iranian nuclear deal]].

'''Project Cassandra''' was an Obama era [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] (DEA) operation launched after evidence had been amassed that [[Hezbollah]] transformed itself from a Middle East-focused military and political organization into a global crime syndicate that some investigators believed was collecting $1 billion a year from [[narcotic]]s and weapons trafficking, [[money laundering]] and other criminal activities. The Obama White House at the highest levels thwarted the investigation as a concession to the government of Iran to win the ill-conceived [[Iranian nuclear deal]].

Between 2008-2016 agents working out of a top-secret DEA facility in Virginia, used wiretaps, undercover operations and informants to map Hezbollah’s illicit networks, with the help of 30 U.S. and foreign security agencies.

Between 2008–2016, agents working out of a top-secret DEA facility in Virginia, used wiretaps, undercover operations, and informants to map Hezbollah’s illicit networks, with the help of 30 U.S. and foreign security agencies.

Agernts followed [[cocaine]] shipments, some from [[Latin America]] to [[West Africa]] and on to [[Europe]] and the [[Middle East]], and others through [[Venezuela]] and [[Mexico]] to the [[United States]]. They tracked the river of dirty cash as it was laundered. And with the help of some key cooperating witnesses, the agents traced the [[conspiracy]], to the innermost circle of Hezbollah and its state sponsors in [[Iran]].

Agents followed [[cocaine]] shipments, some from [[Latin America]] to [[West Africa]] and on to [[Europe]] and the [[Middle East]], and others through [[Venezuela]] and [[Mexico]] to the [[United States]]. They tracked the river of dirty cash as it was laundered. And with the help of some key cooperating witnesses, the agents traced the [[conspiracy]], to the innermost circle of Hezbollah and its state sponsors in [[Iran]].

As Project Cassandra reached higher into the hierarchy of the conspiracy, [[Obama administration]] officials threw an increasingly insurmountable series of roadblocks in its way. When Project Cassandra leaders sought approval for some significant investigations, [[prosecution]]s, [[arrest]]s and financial sanctions, officials at the Justice and [[US Treasury Department|Treasury department]]s delayed, hindered or rejected their requests.

As Project Cassandra reached higher into the hierarchy of the conspiracy, [[Obama administration]] officials threw an increasingly insurmountable series of roadblocks in its way. When Project Cassandra leaders sought approval for some significant investigations, [[prosecution]]s, [[arrest]]s and financial sanctions, officials at the Justice and [[US Treasury Department|Treasury department]]s delayed, hindered or rejected their requests.

===Criminal funding===

===Criminal funding===

The Lebanese Shiite Terrorist Organization has been highlighted as a profile in "Crime and Terrorism" - Hezbollah's Criminal activity is widely in [[Lebanon]] and worldwide,<ref name="terrorism-info.org.il">http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/hezbollah.htm</ref> or what researches call: "various criminal enterprises to raise funds for Hezbollah."

The Lebanese Shiite Terrorist Organization has been highlighted as a profile in "Crime and Terrorism" - Hezbollah's Criminal activity is widespread in [[Lebanon]] and worldwide,<ref name="terrorism-info.org.il">http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/hezbollah.htm</ref> or what researchers call: "various criminal enterprises to raise funds for Hezbollah."

<ref>http://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Out-Lebanon-Hezbollah-Terrorists/dp/0345475682</ref>

<ref>http://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Out-Lebanon-Hezbollah-Terrorists/dp/0345475682</ref>

Among the illegal, criminal methods of the Islamic group is wide fraud, drug trafficking, credit card fraud & cigarette smuggling, it has been known that "Cigarette Smuggling Funds Terrorism." <ref>http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/2/13/135754.shtml</ref>  

Among the illegal, criminal methods of the Islamic group is wide fraud, drug trafficking, credit card fraud & cigarette smuggling, it has been known that "Cigarette Smuggling Funds Terrorism." <ref>http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/2/13/135754.shtml</ref>  

====Latin America====

====Latin America====

The 'Hezbollah's global finance network' includes "The Triple Frontier" (in [[South America]]) -   "[[Argentina]], Brasil & [[Paraguay]]."<ref>http://www.meib.org/articles/0201_l2.htm</ref><ref>http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/HH03Aa01.html</ref>

The 'Hezbollah's global finance network' includes "The Triple Frontier" (in [[South America]]) - "[[Argentina]], Brasil & [[Paraguay]]").<ref>http://www.meib.org/articles/0201_l2.htm</ref><ref>http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/HH03Aa01.html</ref>

There's an extensive report on "Hezbollah and the Drug Trade in South America" - Hezbollah is active in the drug trade in [[Colombia]], a web of criminality that extends from Lebanon to Africa to South America.

There's an extensive report on "Hezbollah and the Drug Trade in South America" - Hezbollah is active in the drug trade in [[Colombia]], a web of criminality that extends from Lebanon to Africa to South America.

<ref>http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/print.php?template=C07&CID=132</ref>

<ref>http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/print.php?template=C07&CID=132</ref>

Counter terrorism expert Steven Emerson wrote in 2007 in an article titled "Blood Money: Hezbollah's revenue stream flows through the Americas":<blockquote>A New Front. Hezbollah operatives have frequently sought out sympathetic members of the Lebanese Diaspora to assist them, several of whom have owned and operated Lebanese restaurants. Salim Boughader Mucharrafille, owner of Cafe La Libanesa in Tijuana, [[Mexico]], was arrested in December 2002 for running a ring that allegedly smuggled at least 200 Lebanese compatriots into the United States , including an employee of Al- Manar, Hezbollah's television station. Although it was never confirmed, Boughader was suspected of having helped Kourani to slip over the border. Last May, a Mexican judge sentenced Boughader to 14 years in prison for organized crime and human smuggling.

Counterterrorism expert Steven Emerson wrote in 2007 in an article titled "Blood Money: Hezbollah's revenue stream flows through the Americas":<blockquote>A New Front. Hezbollah operatives have frequently sought out sympathetic members of the Lebanese Diaspora to assist them, several of whom have owned and operated Lebanese restaurants. Salim Boughader Mucharrafille, owner of Cafe La Libanesa in Tijuana, [[Mexico]], was arrested in December 2002 for running a ring that allegedly smuggled at least 200 Lebanese compatriots into the United States, including an employee of Al- Manar, Hezbollah's television station. Although it was never confirmed, Boughader was suspected of having helped Kourani to slip over the border. Last May, a Mexican judge sentenced Boughader to 14 years in prison for organized crime and human smuggling.

<br>

<br>

The case of Rady Zaiter, a.k.a. David Assi Alvarez, is an example of drug-running activities designed to benefit Hezbollah, using a restaurant as a front. In June 2005, Ecuadorian police broke up an international drug-trafficking ring led by the owners of El Turco restaurant: Zaiter and his partner, Maher Hamajo. The restaurant in [[Quito]] served as the logistical center for the ring's activities. Drug mules carried [[cocaine]] in double bottomed suitcases bound for other countries in South America, as well as Europe and the Middle East. According to investigating authorities, Hezbollah received at least 70 percent of the drug money. Additionally, officials confiscated more than $150,000 and 2,000 euros. Further arrests were made in [[Brazil]], [[Syria]] and the Dutch Antilles, bringing the total apprehended to 19 people. El Turco, like the [[Detroit]]-area restaurant La Shish that was recently allegedly linked to Hezbollah, was a very popular restaurant, appreciated by the locals.

The case of Rady Zaiter, a.k.a. David Assi Alvarez, is an example of drug-running activities designed to benefit Hezbollah, using a restaurant as a front. In June 2005, Ecuadorian police broke up an international drug-trafficking ring led by the owners of El Turco restaurant: Zaiter and his partner, Maher Hamajo. The restaurant in [[Quito]] served as the logistical center for the ring's activities. Drug mules carried [[cocaine]] in double bottomed suitcases bound for other countries in South America, as well as Europe and the Middle East. According to investigating authorities, Hezbollah received at least 70 percent of the drug money. Additionally, officials confiscated more than $150,000 and 2,000 euros. Further arrests were made in [[Brazil]], [[Syria]] and the Dutch Antilles, bringing the total apprehended to 19 people. El Turco, like the [[Detroit]]-area restaurant La Shish that was recently allegedly linked to Hezbollah, was a very popular restaurant, appreciated by the locals.

<ref name="emerson"/></blockquote>

<ref name="emerson"/></blockquote>

In 2008, Colombia smashed a drug ring tied to Hezbollah, Colombian authorities said that they had broken up a drug and money-laundering ring in an international operation that included the capture of three suspects from the Middle East who used profits from the drug trade to fund Hezbollah.

In 2008, Colombia smashed a drug ring tied to Hezbollah, Colombian authorities said that they had broken up a drug and money-laundering ring in an international operation that included the capture of three suspects from the Middle East who used profits from the drug trade to fund Hezbollah.

More than 100 suspects were arrested in Colombia and overseas on charges that they trafficked drugs and laundered cash for Colombia’s Norte del Valle cartel and outlawed paramilitaries, in a network that stretched from South America to Asia.

More than 100 suspects were arrested in Colombia and overseas on charges that they trafficked drugs and laundered cash for Colombia’s Norte del Valle cartel and outlawed paramilitaries, in a network that stretched from South America to Asia.

There's a serious "Hezbollah's Terrorist Threat to the European Union" writes [[The Heritage]] (2007)  

There's a serious "Hezbollah's Terrorist Threat to the European Union" writes [[The Heritage]] (2007)  

.<ref>http://www.heritage.org/Research/Testimony/Hezbollahs-Terrorist-Threat-to-the-European-Union</ref>

.<ref>http://www.heritage.org/Research/Testimony/Hezbollahs-Terrorist-Threat-to-the-European-Union</ref>

From a report on "Hezbollah Around the World" - Arabs, Muslims in [[Germany]] have been key fund raising center for Hezbollah. through crimes of: drug trafficking, weapons and people smuggling, document and currency fraud.<ref>http://www.adl.org/main_Terrorism/hezbollah_overview.htm?Multi_page_sections=sHeading_7</ref> From a May 2010 report: 'Hezbollah funded by drug trade in Europe,' German police arrested Lebanese men who transferred millions of Euros to family connected to Hezbollah.

From a report on "Hezbollah Around the World" - Arabs, Muslims in [[Germany]] have been a key fundraising center for Hezbollah through crimes of drug trafficking, weapons and people smuggling, document and currency fraud.<ref>http://www.adl.org/main_Terrorism/hezbollah_overview.htm?Multi_page_sections=sHeading_7</ref> From a May 2010 report: 'Hezbollah funded by drug trade in Europe,' German police arrested Lebanese men who transferred millions of Euros to family connected to Hezbollah.

<ref>http://www.haaretz.com/news/report-hezbollah-funded-by-drug-trade-in-europe-1.261091</ref><ref>http://www.thelocal.de/national/20100109-24465.html</ref>

<ref>http://www.haaretz.com/news/report-hezbollah-funded-by-drug-trade-in-europe-1.261091</ref><ref>http://www.thelocal.de/national/20100109-24465.html</ref>

Hezbollah has established several front charities, mainly operating from [[United Kingdom]] and [[Germany]], to raise funds earmarked to support the group's members in Lebanon . For example, the U-based Lebanese Welfare Committee, HELP Charity Association for Relief and Abrar Islamic Foundation are among the charities suspected of channeling funds to Sheikh Nasrallah and Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has established several front charities, mainly operating from [[United Kingdom]] and [[Germany]], to raise funds earmarked to support the group's members in Lebanon. For example, the U-based Lebanese Welfare Committee, HELP Charity Association for Relief and Abrar Islamic Foundation are among the charities suspected of channeling funds to Sheikh Nasrallah and Hezbollah.

<ref name="emerson"/>

<ref name="emerson"/>

====U.S. Mexican border====

====U.S. Mexican border====

 

Hezbollah is also accused of using the same southern narcotics routes that Mexican drug kingpins use, that Hezbollah members have entered the U.S. [[border]] through drug cartel.

Hezbollah is also accused of using the same southern narcotics routes that Mexican drug kingpins use, that Hezbollah members have entered the U.S. border through drug cartel.

<ref>http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/27/hezbollah-uses-mexican-drug-routes-into-us/print/</ref><ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/hezbollah-using-drug-smuggling-routes/story.aspx?guid=%7BA14CB7E3-86EE-4ECE-A417-E31BF77E65FD%7D&dist=msr_2</ref>

<ref>http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/27/hezbollah-uses-mexican-drug-routes-into-us/print/</ref><ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/hezbollah-using-drug-smuggling-routes/story.aspx?guid=%7BA14CB7E3-86EE-4ECE-A417-E31BF77E65FD%7D&dist=msr_2</ref>

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wrote an article on ‎Apr 10, 2009, "The Hezbollah threat: It's here, now." <ref>http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/s_620146.html</ref>

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wrote an article on ‎Apr 10, 2009, "The Hezbollah threat: It's here, now." <ref>http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/s_620146.html</ref>