ADEN, YEMEN – The Central Bank of Yemen (CBY) in Aden strongly refuted allegations circulating on social media that it was involved in smuggling large sums of money through official channels under the governor's signature. A senior bank official stated that all funds transferred through official ports were authorized by the CBY and belonged to licensed banks operating within Yemen. These funds, the official explained, are used to cover the needs of their clients, primarily for importing essential food, medicine, and other vital services.

The CBY stated on its official website clarifying that these transfers adhere to strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations, in compliance with both Yemeni and international laws. The bank emphasized that the recipient countries are known for their rigorous enforcement of these standards. The statement further criticized the allegations as demonstrating profound ignorance of financial and banking systems and the international movement of funds.

The bank highlighted the deliberate attempt to mislead public opinion by misrepresenting legal transactions as smuggling, thereby implicitly condemning state institutions managing these ports, including Aden International Airport. The CBY described this action as sabotage and vowed to pursue legal action against the author of the original allegations. The bank also noted that it has been licensing banks to transfer currency surpluses for decades, with pre-war transfers exceeding 11 billion Saudi Riyals in various currencies. All transfers, the bank confirmed, undergo thorough verification and compliance checks before authorization.

This statement follows a Tuesday report from the Southern Union for Integrity, Transparency, and Anti-Corruption, led by Fadi Baoum, which called for an investigation into the transfer of large sums of hard currency through Aden Airport and other ports, allegedly authorized by the CBY governor.