Sanctions have been placed on two Lebanese brothers for engaging in practices that undermine Lebanon's democratic processes and contribute to the breakdown of the rule of law in the country.

The U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on Raymond Zina Rahme and Teddy Zina Rahme, for engaging in corrupt practices that undermine Lebanon's democratic processes and contribute to the breakdown of the rule of law in the country, according to an April 4 news release. The Rahme brothers were using their wealth and political connections to enrich themselves at the expense of the Lebanese people.

"@USTreasury designated two Lebanese businessmen who have used their wealth and influence to undermine Lebanon's energy supply and infrastructure and institutions. We're committed to supporting calls for accountability and reforms in Lebanon," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a Twitter post.

The Rahme brothers were involved in opaque public tendering processes to win multiple government contracts through their Lebanon-based company, Z.R. Group Holding SAL, which operates in the energy, telecommunications and aviation industries, the release reported. OFAC said the brothers imported tainted fuel, causing significant harm to Lebanese power plants while passing it off by blending it with other fuels. 

The Rahme brothers established the UAE-based ZR Energy DMCC with the funding provided by Z.R. Group Holding SAL, and this company is also being designated by OFAC, according to the release.

OFAC has taken this action under the authority of Executive Order 13441, which authorizes sanctions against persons who engage in activities that undermine Lebanon's democratic processes or institutions or contribute to the breakdown of the rule of law in the country, the release said. The sanctions freeze all property and interests in the property of the Rahme brothers and their designated entities within the U.S. jurisdiction. Transactions with them are also prohibited.