Family in court for wiring $13 million to Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A family has been dragged to court in Mogadishu for allegedly transferring close to $13 million to members of the Al-Shabaab group, in a dramatic revelation which if confirmed, would see them imprisoned for several years.

The family of three closely related people and an ex-wife are said to have been in contact with the militants before authorities established their links. The monumental case could shape the fight against terrorism in Somalia.

The Attorney General's office which is prosecuting the case, told a Banadir Court that the three family members including an ex-wife opened bank accounts which they used in channeling funds to the Al-Shabaab militants who control large swathes of rural central and southern regions.

Reports by the prosecution team put one Hassan on trial, along with his wife, daughter, and former wife, noting that they are responsible for the transfer of $12,615,109.9 to the Al-Shabaab operatives.

At the time of the incident, the prosecution said, the family held close to ten bank accounts that were used for transactions. However, in his defense, the man said he was a real estate broker and was only approached by Al-Shabaab operatives to enquire about the housing business.

The accused further said that he had only $25 in his bank account, adding that all other family members opened accounts following instructions from him. The hearing concluded on Monday and the court is expected to deliver its verdict soon.

The government has put stringent measures in cubbing financing of terror groups and about two years ago, authorities in Somalia closed 250 bank accounts and 70 mobile money transfer firms associated with the al-Shabaab militants.

Under the eye of the Financial Reporting Centre, banks in Somalia are only allowed to do a transaction of close to $10,000. Anything above this must be reported to the authorities for further instructions and permissions in line with the Public Finance Management Act.

However, according to previous UN reports, terror financiers trick this process by transferring funds in batches of less than $10,000 thus evading the FRC radar. The militants use money from illegal taxation and extortion to pay fighters besides purchasing modern equipment.

GAROWE ONLINE