During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 2–8, 2017) the Department of Justice issued a press release announcing the payment of more than $1 billion to 2332 terrorism victims. The Miller Firm represents about 600 victims of the 1998 bombings who were included in the settlement and played a key role in persuading the government to set up this fund. In late 2016, The Miller Firm filed applications on behalf of these clients, who were victims of the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombings in Kenya.
The over $1 billion awarded comes from the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (Fund), which exists to compensate the many U.S. victims of international terrorist acts by state sponsors of terrorism. The compensated individuals include the Iran hostages, victims of embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, of the attack on the U.S.S. Cole, and of other international terrorist attacks as well as their family member and survivors.
The U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund
is administered by the Money Laundering and
Asset Recovery Section in the Criminal Division. The press release explains that “certain forfeiture proceeds, penalties and fines” will be deposited into the Fund “if they come from civil and criminal matters involving prohibited transactions with state sponsors of terrorism” (justice.gov). An initial $1.025 billion for payments to victims has now increased to more than more than $1.1 billion.
“The Criminal Division aggressively prosecutes terrorist financiers and others who abuse the U.S. financial system to commit crimes, and uses all available tools, including civil and criminal forfeiture, to seize their assets and illicit funds. Through this program, we will continue to be resolute in our commitment to victims of state sponsored terrorism and aggressively search for illicit funds and assets to compensate them for their losses…”said Acting Assistant Attorney General Blanco in the release.
Both Blanco and Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg, Esq., who administers the Fund, said they were very pleased with the work of the entire Fund team, who have skillfully set up the compensation program, established a claims processing system, adjudicated claims, issued eligibility decisions and awarded payments.
The Miller Firm is proud of its role in securing significant compensation for its clients and will continue to push for full compensation for the victims of the 1998 bombings from other sources. The Miller Firm has a proven track record of winning judgments from state sponsors of terrorism. We will continue to aggressively pursue justice on behalf of 9/11 victims injured by the actions of Saudi Arabia through the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Bill (JASTA).
The Miller Firm is presently accepting clients who were injured or families who experienced terrible loss September 11, 2011. Call 1-800-882-2525 and ask to speak to attorneys David Dickens, Timothy Litzenburg, Michael Miller or Nancy Miller. They can be reached as well at [email protected] or [email protected].