ABSTRACT
This chapter first the US counter-terrorist financing (CTF) policy prior to the terrorist attacks in September 11, 2001. The origins of the US CTF legislation can be found in its anti-money laundering (AML) legislative framework and related policy documents. The chapter focuses on the impact of 9/11 on the US CTF policy and legislative measures. In particular, Title III of the USA Patriot Act 2001, the International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001, is examined in considerable detail. The chapter ascertains the extent to which the US has implemented the Financial War on Terrorism. It focuses on the criminalisation of terrorist financing, confiscation or forfeiture of terrorist assets, freezing of assets, implementation of the United Nations sanctions regime, and use of financial intelligence from terrorist related suspicious transactions. The US has a long and established history of using economic sanctions against countries and entities that threaten its national security.
