Counter-terrorism related sanctions listing

Today I have listed Mostafa Mahamed, also known as Mostafa Farag, an Australian citizen formerly of Sydney, for targeted financial sanctions under Part 4 of the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945.

The listing makes it a serious criminal offence, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines, to use or deal with the assets of Mahamed, or to make assets of any kind available to Mahamed, directly or indirectly.

Mahamed (Farag) occupies a senior leadership position in Al-Nusrah Front, also known as Jabhat al-Nusra, which is listed as a terrorist organisation under Australia's Criminal Code. Al-Nusrah Front is also listed for Al-Qaida and counter-terrorism sanctions under the Charter of the UN Act. Mahamed (Farag) has recruited Australians to fight for Al-Nusrah Front and has solicited funds to finance Al-Nusrah Front's terrorist activities.

Listings under UNSC Resolution 1373 help starve terrorists' access to funds, and the support they require. It also sends a strong message to anyone who recruits for, or travels overseas to join, a terrorist organisation that they are committing a serious criminal offence.

Today's decision to list Mahamed (Farag) builds on previous listings of Australian nationals for targeted financial sanctions, including Neil Prakash, Mohamed Elomar and Khaled Sharrouf. Including Mahamed (Farag), Australia currently lists a total of 94 persons and entities under UNSC Resolution 1373 (both foreign and Australian).

Further information on the listing and what it means is on the DFAT website: www.dfat.gov.au/sanctions