Minister of Information: $103 billion looted by Houthis, leaving wealthy leaders and a population facing famine.

Houthi Militia Accused of Embezzling Over $103 Billion from Yemen

Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Speaks Out

Minister Ma’mar Al-Eryani has accused the Iranian-backed Houthi militia of embezzling more than $103 billion from the Yemeni people since their coup in September 2014. He emphasized that while Houthi leaders have become “war millionaires,” millions of Yemenis in their controlled areas face dire humanitarian conditions.

Wealth Accumulation Amidst Poverty

In a recent press statement, Al-Eryani detailed how Houthi leaders have amassed vast fortunes through theft and corruption. They have purchased lavish homes and villas in the capital, Sana’a, and other provinces such as Saada, Amran, and Dhamar. Additionally, they have established fake companies and invested in Iran and Lebanon, leaving countless citizens vulnerable to hunger and poverty.

Economic Control and Exploitation

Al-Eryani pointed out that Houthi leaders have transitioned from “highway robbers” to controllers of major economic sectors in Yemen. Notably, militia leader Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi and his associates, including Mohammed Abdulsalam, dominate the oil, gas, and telecommunications industries. Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi oversees the confiscation of citizens’ properties through a so-called “judicial guardian,” converting them into private projects. Meanwhile, Mahdi Al-Mashat and his close allies have seized strategic real estate in Sana’a, and Ahmed Hamed has turned the presidency into a corruption empire controlling contracts and tenders.

Monopolization of Key Industries

The Houthi militia has monopolized the oil, gas, and telecommunications sectors, effectively dismantling the private sector. They have also misappropriated humanitarian aid and imposed taxes and fees on all economic activities, affecting everyone from large traders to street vendors.

Refusal to Pay State Salaries

Despite their substantial resources, the Houthi militia refuses to pay state salaries in areas under their control. The monthly salary bill amounts to only 25 billion riyals (approximately $50 million), totaling around $600 million annually. This refusal highlights a systematic policy aimed at impoverishing, starving, and humiliating the Yemeni population.

Misallocation of Billions

Al-Eryani asserted that the militia has not spent these billions on salaries, services, or improving citizens’ living conditions. Instead, they have directed funds toward establishing businesses in oil, real estate, and import-export sectors to tighten their grip on the private sector and enrich their leaders. Additionally, they have provided financial support to Hezbollah and Iranian proxies in the region.

Call for International Action

Al-Eryani urged the international community and the United Nations to take decisive action beyond mere verbal condemnation. He called for measures to cut off the militia’s funding sources, freeze their assets and those of their leaders abroad, and pursue their financial networks and businesses. He emphasized the need for strict oversight of funds flowing through international organizations to ensure that resources are redirected to provide genuine support for the Yemeni people and alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis.

The situation in Yemen remains critical, and immediate action is essential to address the ongoing suffering of its citizens.

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