Hezbollah shifts assets to gold amid increased financial oversight

Hezbollah has reportedly increased its conversion of cash and assets into gold to preserve value and hedge against potential banking and regulatory restrictions in Lebanon. According to Lebanese security sources, the group is shifting away from using diamonds due to liquidity and resale difficulties, opting instead for gold bullion and jewelry sourced from local markets and individuals.

This financial shift occurs amid expectations of tightened oversight by the Central Bank of Lebanon and increased U.S. monitoring of cryptocurrency channels suspected of being used to transfer funds linked to Iran and its allies outside the traditional banking system. Additionally, businesses associated with Hezbollah have reportedly begun withdrawing funds from banks amid rumors of new measures targeting accounts suspected of involvement in money laundering or terrorism financing.

In a related diplomatic development, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington to discuss government efforts to combat the cash economy and enhance transparency and compliance in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures.