DEB RIECHMANN
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department on Wednesday sanctioned a leader and a financial network used by a Pakistan-based terrorist group blamed for the 2008 attack in Mumbai, India that killed 166 people.

Treasury sanctioned Muhammad Iqbal and Asma Money Exchangers for their suspected ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba. David Cohen, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said Iqbal uses his business to conduct financial transactions on behalf of the terrorist organization and its affiliates.

“Muhammad Iqbal exploited the trust placed in him as a financial intermediary to help LT receive money through his business,” Cohen said.

Lashkar-e-Taiba, a well-organized group based in Pakistan’s Punjab province, also is suspected of having historical ties to Pakistani intelligence.

The action freezes any assets they might have in U.S. jurisdiction and bans U.S. citizens from doing business with them.

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