WASHINGTON (AP) - The Treasury Department moved Tuesday to freeze the assets of 30 companies and four people believed to be linked to international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Those affected by the department's order include Richard Chichakli, of Richardson, Texas, whom the government identified as Bout's "U.S.-based chief financial officer."
Several companies in Richardson also were listed on the government's blocking order, including Chichakli & Associates, DHH Enterprises Inc., and Daytona Pools. Most of those covered by the government's blocking order are located in other countries. The government's action not only freezes any bank accounts and other financial assets belonging to these companies and people found in the United States but also forbids Americans from doing business with them. The United States also is submitting the 34 names to the United Nations to be included in its asset-blocking list, which is followed by member countries.
The department's action emerges from an executive order that allows the government to freeze assets of people connected to former Liberian President Charles Taylor. Arms dealer Bout was designated last year as having associations with Taylor. |