Jordanian lawmaker Wissam Arbihat was detained on Wednesday and formally charged with money laundering and unauthorized fundraising activities by the public prosecutor. The charges stem from an investigation into fundraising through the unlicensed online platform Click.
Details of the Case
Arbihat, a member of the Islamist-leaning Umma Party, has been banned from traveling and had his assets frozen, according to the Jordan News Agency. He was initially detained in September along with six other suspects for raising funds via the Click platform, but was later released. Another suspect was also detained on Wednesday in connection with the money laundering case.
Investigation Background
Authorities launched an investigation last year into fundraising activities on the Click platform. The funds raised were not from commercial activities and were inconsistent with the individuals' reported work and income sources. Collecting and receiving funds without a license is illegal under Jordanian law.
Broader Context
Jordan banned the Muslim Brotherhood movement, of which the Umma Party is an offshoot, after uncovering a plot by the group to destabilize the country's security last year. In July, authorities cracked down on an international financial network run by the group and seized assets worth more than 30 million Jordanian dinars ($42.3 million).
