Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree confirms that Canadian national security agencies are investigating a British Columbia company linked to financial activities supporting the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
Agencies Launch Probe into B.C. Company
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) are actively reviewing the situation surrounding Seven Seas for International Trading and Logistics. “They are reviewing the situation and then they will have more to say,” Anandasangaree, who oversees these agencies, stated on Wednesday.
The Vancouver-based firm, incorporated in B.C. in 2022 by three directors residing in Qatar, remains active according to corporate records. While the U.S. government imposed sanctions on the company for its alleged involvement in a $100-million Hezbollah financial network, Canada has not yet followed suit.
Government Responses and Next Steps
The B.C. government has contacted federal authorities regarding Seven Seas, as Ottawa handles sanctions related to terrorist financing. “Any next steps from the province would be informed by that engagement with our federal partners,” the B.C. Finance Ministry stated.
Neither the RCMP, CSIS, nor Global Affairs Canada has issued further comments on the matter at this time.
Hezbollah Background and Allegations
Hezbollah forms a key element of Iran’s axis of resistance, comprising militant groups advancing Tehran’s regional interests. Canada designates the Lebanese organization as a radical Shia faction inspired by the Iranian revolution. It plays a role in the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel that escalated on February 28.
Canadian agencies have previously accused Hezbollah of fundraising and money laundering within the country.
U.S. Sanctions Details
U.S. sanctions describe the B.C. company as part of a network orchestrated by Hezbollah financier Alaa Hamieh, extending across Lebanon, Syria, Poland, Slovenia, Qatar, and Canada. Founder Raoof Fadel maintains ties to Hamieh and the Hezbollah finance team. Authorities label Seven Seas as the Canadian extension of Hamieh’s Lebanese operations and deem it Hezbollah-associated.
When contacted from Qatar, Fadel indicated he is consulting his lawyer before providing comment.
Anandasangaree addressed questions about the U.S.-led revelation of the Vancouver firm, noting, “We often do not talk about matters that are under investigation, and as you’re aware, there are a range of things that our law enforcement do, including on national security matters, and this is one of those matters where they will have more say.”
