Terrorist Designation of Sajid Badat

The Department of State announced on December 16 the designation of Sajid Badat as a foreign terrorist whose activity threatens U.S. citizens as well as the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. As a result of Secretary Rice’s designation, all property, and interests in property which Badat has in the U.S., or which enters the U.S. or comes under the control of U.S. persons, are blocked.

The designation of terrorists, carried out in cooperation with other countries, is one of the many ways the U.S. carries on the global campaign against terrorism. Badat was arrested in the United Kingdom on November 27, 2003. He had conspired with and aided and abetted convicted "shoe bomber" Richard Reid to detonate homemade bombs on American aircraft in 2001. Badat was indicted by a federal grand jury September 1, 2004 for these crimes. On February 28, 2005 he pled guilty in British court to one count of conspiracy and on April 25 the UK sentenced him to 13 years imprisonment.

The designation of Badat, which was requested by another country, follows a decision by the United Nations 1267 Committee to add his name to its consolidated list of individuals associated with al-Qaida. This action obligates all UN members, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1267 and subsequent relevant resolutions, to (1) freeze without delay Badat’s funds, financial assets, and economic resources; (2) prevent his entry into or transit through their territories; and, (3) block his access to weapons, ammunition, and military equipment.

Focusing the resources and abilities of multilateral organizations such as the UN is essential to building a seamless global counterterrorism web. UN 1267 Committee listings help disrupt enemy communications, travel, intelligence, and finances. Interrupting financial flows isolates terrorists and constrains their activities. Disrupting financial links can also provide evidence to prosecute terrorists as well as their suppliers, bankers, couriers, recruiters, and other associated supporters.2005/1190