WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The group is believed to have beheaded US citizens James Foley, Steven Sotloff and Peter Kassig for Daesh propaganda videos.
"The notorious cell, dubbed 'The Beatles' and once headed by now-deceased SDGT Mohamed Emwazi (also known as Jihadi John), is responsible for holding captive and beheading approximately two dozen hostages, including several Westerners," the release stated.
Kotey is alleged to have acted as a guard for the cell and tortured hostages, including through waterboarding and electric shocks.
Additionally, he recruited several other UK nationals to Daesh, the State Department noted.
The sanctions freeze any of Kotey’s assets that are subject to US jurisdiction and generally prohibit US persons from doing business with him.
