Financial Crime World

US Sanctions Pakistani National and Maldivian Individuals for Supporting ISIS-K and al-Qaeda

Introduction

The United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned a Pakistani national and several Maldivian individuals for allegedly supporting terrorist organizations, including ISIS- K and al-Qaeda.

The Designated Individuals

Ali Shafiu, a Pakistani national, had previously attempted to travel to Syria in 2015 but was unsuccessful. He later joined ISIS-K and became part of its media office until as recently as 2022. The OFAC designation links him to several Maldivian companies owned or controlled by him.

Additionally, eight other individuals from the Maldives have been accused of supporting ISIS and al-Qaeda:

  • Abdulla Ali Manik
  • Moosa Inas
  • Abdulla Shareef
  • Hussain Shamil
  • Ahmed Mubeen
  • Ameen Ahmed
  • Yoosuf Shaheed
  • Mohamed Maathiu Abdul Razzaq

Sanctions Imposed

The designated individuals are being targeted for their alleged role in providing financial, material, or technological support to ISIS and al-Qaeda. The sanctions also target several companies owned or controlled by the designated individuals.

The sanctions impose a range of restrictions on the designated individuals and entities, including:

  • Blocking their property and interests in property that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons
  • Prohibiting all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons

Impact on Terrorist Organizations

The sanctions are seen as a significant blow to terrorist organizations and their supporters, highlighting the United States’ commitment to disrupting and dismantling terrorist networks.

“Today’s action targets key individuals and entities that have provided support to ISIS and al-Qaeda,” said a senior U.S. official. “We will continue to take action against those who seek to harm innocent people and undermine global security.”

ISIS-K has been using social media platforms to spread its propaganda and recruit new members, and has also been accused of carrying out attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The sanctions come as the United States and its allies continue to pressure terrorist organizations to prevent them from using social media platforms to spread their ideology and recruit new members.

Conclusion

The sanctions are seen as a significant move by the United States to disrupt terrorist organizations and prevent them from spreading their ideology and recruiting new members. The U.S. will continue to take action against those who support or enable terrorism, and is committed to protecting global security.