Project Titan was a joint operation conducted by U.S. and Colombian authorities in 2004, targeting Hezbollah's involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering. The project that was part of the larger Project Cassandra, was initiated by DEA agents in Miami as a large-scale money laundering investigation. The operation successfully infiltrated a significant organized crime group in Medellin, Colombia, known as the Oficina de Envigado. It uncovered Hezbollah's deepening involvement with South American drug cartels, notably the Medellín Cartel, to finance its activities. A key figure identified was Chekri Mahmoud Harb, also known as "Taliban," a Lebanese-Colombian national who coordinated cocaine shipments from Colombia to the Middle East and Europe. Harb's network reportedly paid Hezbollah 12% of its narcotics income.
Investigation.
The investigation revealed that Hezbollah operatives established business relationships with South American drug cartels, facilitating the movement of large quantities of cocaine to European and U.S. markets. The proceeds were laundered through complex schemes, including the Black Market Peso Exchange, and funneled back to Hezbollah to support its operations.
Success.
The operation resulted in the arrest of more than 130 suspects and the seizure of $23 million. It led to further investigations, including those targeting Ayman Joumaa, a significant figure in Hezbollah's global criminal network.
Impact of Political Considerations on Project Titan's Progress.
Despite the operation's initial successes, reports indicate that political considerations related to the Iran nuclear deal led to a slowdown in efforts against Hezbollah's illicit activities during the Obama administration. This decision reportedly hindered the DEA's ability to fully dismantle the network uncovered by Project Titan.
References.
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