FinCrime Central - Latest AML/CFT News & Vendor Directory

Justice Served: OFAC-Sanctioned Afghan Sentenced to 30 Years for Narco-Terrorism

The sentencing of Haji Abdul Satar Abdul Manaf, a notorious Afghan drug trafficker and narco-terrorist, to 30 years in prison marks a significant victory in the global fight against organized crime and terrorism. His actions, which fueled violence through financial support to the Taliban and the Haqqani Network, underscore the critical intersection of drug trafficking and terrorism. The case also highlights the effectiveness of international cooperation in combatting these threats.

Unveiling the Narco-Terrorism Network

Haji Abdul Satar Abdul Manaf, also known as Haji Abdul Sattar Barakzai, was convicted after a two-week jury trial for his role in attempting to import heroin into the United States. He used the proceeds to finance activities of the Taliban and the Haqqani Network. According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Manaf played a pivotal role in coordinating heroin shipments destined for New York City—a strategy designed to channel funds back to terrorist organizations.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had sanctioned Manaf in 2012 under Executive Order No. 13224, which targets individuals providing support to terrorism. Manaf’s financial contributions to the Taliban, including the distribution of thousands of dollars to aid their fight against Coalition Forces in Afghanistan, were instrumental in maintaining their operations.

His involvement in drug trafficking spanned years, using sophisticated methods and international connections to move narcotics. By partnering with known terrorist groups, he turned drug proceeds into a tool for financing violence, further destabilizing the region.

The Complex Web of Crime and Terrorism

Manaf’s involvement extended beyond drug trafficking. Starting in 2018, he coordinated with individuals he believed were affiliated with international drug cartels to import large quantities of heroin into the U.S. The group included DEA confidential sources and an undercover DEA agent. During their meetings, Manaf disclosed that heavily armed Taliban members would safeguard heroin shipments, ensuring their safe passage while financing further terrorist activities.

One transaction in August 2018 involved Manaf selling 10 kilograms of heroin to the undercover agent, with assurances that Taliban members would oversee its production and transportation. Manaf’s deep ties to both the Taliban and the Haqqani Network highlighted the dual-purpose nature of his operations: profiting from drug sales and channeling proceeds to terrorist networks.

His influence extended across continents, leveraging a network that combined organized crime with ideological terrorism. This case demonstrates how drug trafficking is often a financial lifeline for groups like the Taliban, enabling them to sustain their insurgencies and attacks.

Witness Tampering: A Desperate Attempt to Evade Justice

While awaiting trial in a New York detention facility, Manaf attempted to silence a critical DEA source who had testified against him. In a series of recorded prison calls, he directed family members in Afghanistan to kidnap and threaten the witness. Manaf’s explicit instructions included bringing the source to his family home, taking his phone, and coercing a confession through threats of violence. Following these instructions, his brothers carried out the kidnapping at gunpoint, demonstrating Manaf’s continued influence even from behind bars.

Witness tampering represents a direct assault on the justice system, highlighting the lengths to which individuals like Manaf will go to evade accountability. The recorded calls provided irrefutable evidence of his attempts to obstruct justice, further solidifying his conviction.

Collaborative Efforts in Pursuit of Justice

This case underscores the importance of international collaboration in dismantling narco-terrorism networks. Agencies including the DEA’s Special Operations Division, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, and the governments of Estonia, Denmark, and the UAE played crucial roles in investigating and apprehending Manaf. His eventual extradition and trial in the Southern District of New York stand as a testament to the global commitment to combatting terrorism and organized crime.

The investigation involved coordinated operations across multiple countries, including surveillance, undercover work, and intelligence sharing. Such collaboration is essential in tackling transnational crimes that often exploit jurisdictional boundaries to evade detection.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg, Nicholas S. Bradley, and Kimberly J. Ravener, alongside Trial Attorney Joshua Champagne from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, ensured that justice was served.

The Broader Implications of the Case

The conviction of Haji Abdul Satar Abdul Manaf sheds light on the broader implications of narco-terrorism. This case is a reminder that drug trafficking is not just a criminal enterprise; it’s a source of funding for groups that perpetuate violence and instability. The Taliban and the Haqqani Network have long relied on drug trade profits to support their operations, and cases like this demonstrate the effectiveness of targeting these financial streams.

Additionally, the case highlights the evolving tactics of narco-terrorists. By embedding their operations within legitimate businesses and using sophisticated communication methods, these individuals seek to evade detection. Law enforcement’s ability to adapt to these challenges is critical in staying ahead of such threats.

Manaf’s sentencing also serves as a warning to others involved in similar activities. The coordinated efforts of multiple agencies and governments demonstrate that no individual, regardless of their influence, is beyond the reach of justice.

Conclusion: A Message of Accountability

The 30-year sentence handed down to Haji Abdul Satar Abdul Manaf sends a resounding message: those who exploit drug trafficking to fund terrorism will face the full force of international law. This case serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges posed by narco-terrorism and the critical need for vigilance and collaboration among global enforcement agencies.

By dismantling networks like Manaf’s, law enforcement agencies are not only curbing the drug trade but also cutting off significant funding sources for terrorist organizations. This case is a victory for justice and a step forward in creating a safer world.