New Sanctions Target Maldives Individuals and Companies Tied to Terrorist Organizations

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed new sanctions on several individuals and companies in the Maldives, citing their alleged ties with terrorist organizations. The move aims to restrict the flow of funds and resources to these entities.

Key Figures Sanctioned

• Ahmed Agleel: A leader of an al-Qa’ida cell in Maldives.
• Ali Shiyam: A high-profile terrorist financier aligned with al-Qa’ida.

Affiliated Companies Targeted

The sanctions also extend to several companies owned or controlled by these individuals, including:

• Furaha Construction Pvt Ltd
• Designer Garage
• Southern Stallions Pvt Ltd
• Golden Warriors Investment Pvt Ltd
• Vaaly Brothers Pvt Ltd
• Syskon Pvt Ltd
• Shine. X Investments Pvt Ltd
• Eriyadhu Investments Pvt Ltd
• Jazeera Properties Pvt Ltd
• Visions Maldives Pvt Ltd

Reason for Sanctions

The individuals and companies are being sanctioned for their material support to al-Qa’ida, a designated terrorist organization under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224. This means that all property and interests in property of the designated persons within the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons must be reported to OFAC.

Consequences of Sanctions

The sanctions have significant implications for:

• Financial Institutions: Engaging in certain transactions with sanctioned individuals and entities may expose them to sanctions or enforcement action.
• Business Operations: Companies owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.
• U.S. Persons: All property and interests in property of the designated persons within the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons must be reported to OFAC.

These sanctions demonstrate the U.S. government’s commitment to disrupting terrorist financing networks and protecting national security interests.