America Warns of Environmental Risks from Illicit Iranian Oil Transfers Off Malaysia

Malaysia Kini news site reported today that a U.S. Treasury Department official warned about the environmental risks arising from the illicit transfer of Iranian oil off Malaysia, as the United States increases its focus on financing militant groups directed through Southeast Asia. A senior U.S. Treasury official stated this week that the U.S. views Iran's ability to transport oil as relying on service providers based in Malaysia. The U.S. is trying to prevent Malaysia from becoming a jurisdiction where Hamas can raise and transfer funds. Brian Nelson, the U.S. Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, mentioned that one of the main ways Iran has raised funds has been through the illicit sale of oil to buyers in East Asia. He stated, "Many of these shipments traverse the waters surrounding Malaysia and are loaded onto vessels of questionable legitimacy and may pose significant risks to the environment and safety."